On August 8, 1983, a Beech H-18 (registration N18AW) was involved in an aviation accident near Elgin Afb, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop and left main gear collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft snapped right during landing, leading to a ground loop and left main gear collapse. Investigation found no pre-accident mechanical failure or fatigue cracking.
What happened
The pilot reported that during the landing phase of flight, the aircraft suddenly snapped to the right. Subsequent attempts by the pilot to recover control were unsuccessful. This loss of directional control resulted in a subsequent ground loop. During this event, the left main gear collapsed.
The investigation
An examination of the fractured components was conducted to determine the cause of the structural failure. No signs of fatigue cracking were evident on the examined parts. Additionally, no pre-accident mechanical failure or malfunction was found in the aircraft systems.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the damage was the ground loop initiated after the aircraft snapped to the right during landing. The investigation confirmed that the structural failure was a result of the accident forces rather than a pre-existing condition.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop and left main gear collapse.