On March 30, 1986, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N5055G) operated by St. Charles Flying Serv. was involved in an aviation accident near St.charles, MO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot concerned about trailing traffic landed fast, causing the right main gear axle to break. The aircraft veered off left into soft terrain and ground looped, damaging the wing. A shift in winds was reported.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported being nervously concerned about an aircraft that was close behind in the traffic pattern. During landing, the pilot landed fast on the runway, resulting in the right main gear axle breaking. The gear leg then dug into the runway surface, causing the aircraft to veer off the left side into soft terrain. The aircraft subsequently ground looped, which damaged the wing.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the approach and landing were influenced by a shift in winds encountered during touchdown. An inspection of the accident site revealed a tire skidmark on the runway prior to the right main gear axle breaking free from the landing gear. No evidence of preexisting cracking of the axle was discovered.
Environmental Conditions
The recorded winds at the time were from 240 degrees at 6 knots. The pilot stated that the wind shift occurred during the landing and touchdown phase.