On August 1, 1988, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N8191J) operated by Cabeza, Anthony R. was involved in an aviation accident near Laurens, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue failure of the left main gear strut barrel. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing roll, the left wing settled due to left main gear strut housing/trunnion failure. Metallurgical exam revealed fatigue in the strut barrel. The aircraft exited the runway and damaged two runway lights before stopping.
Incident Description
The pilot reported that during landing, everything seemed normal until he was lowering the nose to the runway during the landing roll. At that point, the left wing began to settle. Initially, he thought the left tire was going flat, but the settling continued. Subsequently, the aircraft went off the left side of the runway before skidding to a stop. During the excursion, the aircraft damaged two runway lights.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination revealed that the left main gear strut housing/trunnion had failed. A metallurgical examination of the strut barrel revealed the presence of fatigue.
Probable cause
Fatigue failure of the left main gear strut barrel.
What happened in the 1 Aug 1988 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Laurens, SC?
During landing roll, the left wing settled due to left main gear strut housing/trunnion failure. Metallurgical exam revealed fatigue in the strut barrel. The aircraft exited the runway and damaged two runway lights before stopping.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Aug 1988 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N8191J, operated by Cabeza, Anthony R., at Laurens, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fatigue failure of the left main gear strut barrel.
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