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Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Fatigue Failure Causes Ground Loop at Mining Camp (N22901)

Hunter Creek, AK, US

On May 6, 1988, a Cessna 185F (registration N22901) was involved in an aviation accident near Hunter Creek, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to a right landing gear collapse caused by a fatigue fracture in the gear leg that was not detected during the previous aircraft inspection. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft experienced a right landing gear failure after landing at a remote mining camp airstrip, resulting in a ground loop. Investigation revealed the cause was a pre-existing fatigue fracture in the gear leg that had not been detected during the previous inspection.

What happened

The aircraft landed at a remote mining camp airstrip. Shortly after touchdown, the right landing gear collapsed. The loss of structural support on one side caused the aircraft to lose directional control and ground loop upon the runway surface.

The investigation

A detailed examination of the failed component was conducted to determine the root cause of the failure. Analysis of the broken gear part revealed that the original fracture was a fatigue fracture. The initial crack in the gear leg ran parallel to the gear bolt hole, indicating progressive structural degradation over time rather than a sudden overload event.

Findings

The aircraft had been inspected 80 hours before the failure occurred. Despite this recent inspection, the pre-existing fatigue crack was not identified. The failure was attributed to fatigue fracture of the landing gear leg, which propagated until structural integrity was lost during the landing load.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to a right landing gear collapse caused by a fatigue fracture in the gear leg that was not detected during the previous aircraft inspection.
Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 May 1988 Cessna 185F accident near Hunter Creek, AK?

Aircraft experienced a right landing gear failure after landing at a remote mining camp airstrip, resulting in a ground loop. Investigation revealed the cause was a pre-existing fatigue fracture in the gear leg that had not been detected during the previous inspection.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 May 1988 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N22901, at Hunter Creek, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to a right landing gear collapse caused by a fatigue fracture in the gear leg that was not detected during the previous aircraft inspection.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25589. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.