On December 5, 1987, a Cessna 180 (registration N2957C) was involved in an aviation accident near Carlton, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the left main landing gear, which was caused by a fatigue failure of the gear leg. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The left main landing gear collapsed during taxi on a grass surface, causing the left wing to drop and sustain substantial damage due to a fatigue failure in the gear leg.
What happened
The pilot reported that the left main landing gear collapsed while he was beginning to taxi from the ramp area. The aircraft was moving across a smooth grass surface at the time of the incident. As the gear failed, the left wing dropped to the ground, resulting in substantial damage to that section of the airframe.
The investigation
A detailed examination of the broken component revealed that the left gear leg had fractured approximately two inches inside the bulkhead. Analysis of the failure mode indicated that the part had failed due to fatigue.
Probable cause
The collapse of the left main landing gear, which was caused by a fatigue failure of the gear leg.
What happened in the 5 Dec 1987 Cessna 180 accident near Carlton, MN?
The left main landing gear collapsed during taxi on a grass surface, causing the left wing to drop and sustain substantial damage due to a fatigue failure in the gear leg.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Dec 1987 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2957C, at Carlton, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The collapse of the left main landing gear, which was caused by a fatigue failure of the gear leg.
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