On November 13, 1984, a Cessna 195B (registration N2133C) was involved in an aviation accident near Eads, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A fatigue crack in the landing gear attachment bolts, which led to the separation of the left main landing gear during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced a nose-over during takeoff after the left main landing gear detached due to a fatigue crack in the attachment bolts.
What happened
The pilot reported initiating takeoff with full power. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, it reached approximately 60 knots before traversing a slight elevation change or rise in the pavement. At this point, the left main landing gear assembly detached from the aircraft at the connection point to the landing gear strut. The separated strut continued forward and dug into the ground, causing the nose of the aircraft to pitch over.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the landing gear system revealed significant mechanical failure evidence. Inspectors identified a fatigue crack located specifically at the attachment bolt holes where the wheel assembly connects to the strut.
Probable cause
A fatigue crack in the landing gear attachment bolts, which led to the separation of the left main landing gear during takeoff.