On February 18, 1990, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8394D) operated by Tradewinds Aviation, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Pontiac, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failures appeared to be due to overload. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During taxi from ramp to runway, the left main landing gear of an aircraft collapsed. Post-accident examination found that the landing gear bolts had failed due to overload, with no prior hard landing reported.
Accident Details
A flight instructor and a dual instrument student were taxiing an aircraft from the ramp to the active runway when the left main landing gear suddenly collapsed. The instructor reported that the aircraft was moving straight ahead on a smooth, paved surface at a normal taxi rate at the time of the incident.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident investigation revealed that the bolts on the left main landing gear had failed. The failures appeared to be due to overload. Further inquiry found no report of a previous hard landing in the accident aircraft.
Conclusion
The landing gear collapse occurred while the aircraft was taxiing under normal conditions. The bolt failures were attributed to overload, with no indication of prior hard landings that might have contributed to the damage.
What happened in the 18 Feb 1990 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Pontiac, MI?
During taxi from ramp to runway, the left main landing gear of an aircraft collapsed. Post-accident examination found that the landing gear bolts had failed due to overload, with no prior hard landing reported.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Feb 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8394D, operated by Tradewinds Aviation, Inc, at Pontiac, MI.
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