On August 16, 1990, a Cessna 170B (registration N8239A) operated by Jon R. Shomer, JR was involved in an aviation accident near Frederick, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left main gear axle fractured due to fatigue corrosion at the flange junction, which caused the aircraft to ground loop during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The left main gear axle fractured during the landing roll of an eleventh touch-and-go, causing the aircraft to ground loop due to fatigue corrosion.
What happened
The pilot was conducting his eleventh touch-and-go landing when the left main gear axle failed during the landing roll. This mechanical failure caused the aircraft to ground loop.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the axle was fractured at its flange junction. A metallurgical examination confirmed the presence of fatigue corrosion on the fracture surface.
Findings
The structural integrity of the left main gear axle was compromised by fatigue corrosion, leading to a sudden failure under landing loads.
Probable cause
The left main gear axle fractured due to fatigue corrosion at the flange junction, which caused the aircraft to ground loop during the landing roll.