On March 9, 1985, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N2558Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Colts Neck, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in the aircraft hitting a rut and bouncing, leading to structural failure of the right main gear near the U-bolt attachment point. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft bounced during a three-point touchdown after hitting a runway rut, causing the right main gear to separate due to a structural failure near a U-bolt attachment point.
What happened
The pilot returned to the airport following a glider tow flight to land. During the approach, the aircraft executed a three-point touchdown but struck a rut in the runway surface, causing the plane to bounce back into the air. The pilot successfully recovered from the bounce and initiated a second three-point touchdown. Immediately after this landing, the pilot heard a loud crack and observed that the right main gear had separated from the aircraft. The pilot reported that both touch down events felt smooth.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed significant structural damage to the landing gear assembly. Specifically, the right main gear had failed near a U-bolt attachment point. This mechanical failure was identified as the primary reason for the gear separation observed during the landing roll.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in the aircraft hitting a rut and bouncing, leading to structural failure of the right main gear near the U-bolt attachment point.
What happened in the 9 Mar 1985 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Colts Neck, NJ?
An aircraft bounced during a three-point touchdown after hitting a runway rut, causing the right main gear to separate due to a structural failure near a U-bolt attachment point.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Mar 1985 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N2558Z, at Colts Neck, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in the aircraft hitting a rut and bouncing, leading to structural failure of the right main gear near the U-bolt attachment point.
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