On December 29, 1989, a Champion 7ECA (registration N7615S) operated by Quinn, Michael H. was involved in an aviation accident near Tanana, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right main gear axle bolt due to the cumulative effects of consistently landing on rough terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a trap line tending flight, the right main gear axle bolt failed on touchdown, causing the ski to separate and resulting in additional damage to the airplane.
Incident Summary
A pilot was using his airplane for trap line maintenance. The landing occurred on a frozen, snow-covered lake. Shortly after touchdown, the axle bolt securing the right main gear ski to the gear leg failed. The ski subsequently separated from the gear leg, and the airplane sustained further damage before coming to rest.
Damage
The airplane experienced additional damage beyond the initial ski separation, though the extent and specific components affected were not detailed.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot attributed the axle bolt failure to the cumulative effects of repeated landings on rough terrain. He stated that there was no inherent flaw or design problem with the axle bolt.
Probable cause
Failure of the right main gear axle bolt due to the cumulative effects of consistently landing on rough terrain.