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Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Collapse During Landing Roll (N153M)

Gallup, NM, US

On June 21, 1984, a Cessna 180 (registration N153M) was involved in an aviation accident near Gallup, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Separation of the right wheel assembly from the gear leg due to stripped lower bolts, likely caused by overtorquing or prior hard landings. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft veered off runway after right landing gear collapsed during landing roll due to stripped bolts on the wheel assembly.

What happened

During the landing roll, the aircraft experienced a failure of the right main landing gear. The right gear leg collapsed upon contact with the ground, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway surface.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the airframe and landing gear assembly revealed that the right wheel assembly had separated from the gear leg. Forensic analysis indicated that the two lower bolts securing the assembly had been stripped prior to the failure event. The damage pattern suggested the bolts were either overtorqued during maintenance or weakened by a series of previous hard landings.

Findings

The investigation noted that the aircraft had previously been operated in a sport parachute capacity by a prior owner. This operational history may have contributed to the fatigue or stress placed on the landing gear components, leading to the eventual structural failure of the bolt connections.

Probable cause

Separation of the right wheel assembly from the gear leg due to stripped lower bolts, likely caused by overtorquing or prior hard landings.
Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 1984 Cessna 180 accident near Gallup, NM?

Aircraft veered off runway after right landing gear collapsed during landing roll due to stripped bolts on the wheel assembly.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 1984 involved a Cessna 180, registration N153M, at Gallup, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Separation of the right wheel assembly from the gear leg due to stripped lower bolts, likely caused by overtorquing or prior hard landings.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39922. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.