On September 9, 1990, a Cessna 172M (registration N9895V) operated by Sunrise Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Lewiston, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during landing due to the failure of the nose-strut fork, which was caused by a casting defect in the nose wheel fork. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Cessna 172 experienced a nose gear collapse immediately after touchdown on the runway, resulting in an excursion off the left side. The failure was attributed to a casting defect.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a routine landing operation when the aircraft touched down normally on the runway surface. Immediately upon lowering the nose-wheel to support the forward weight of the aircraft, directional control was compromised. The nose-strut fork experienced a catastrophic structural failure at the moment of impact and load transfer. This mechanical breakdown caused the aircraft to veer off the left side of the runway during the rollout phase.
The investigation
A detailed examination of the wreckage revealed the specific point of mechanical failure. Evidence indicated that the nose wheel fork had failed along a pre-existing casting line. The fracture pattern suggested a defect within the metal casting process itself, rather than an overload event caused by pilot input or external factors.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during landing due to the failure of the nose-strut fork, which was caused by a casting defect in the nose wheel fork.
What happened in the 9 Sept 1990 Cessna 172M accident near Lewiston, ID?
A Cessna 172 experienced a nose gear collapse immediately after touchdown on the runway, resulting in an excursion off the left side. The failure was attributed to a casting defect.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Sept 1990 Cessna 172M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Sept 1990 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9895V, operated by Sunrise Aviation, at Lewiston, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of directional control during landing due to the failure of the nose-strut fork, which was caused by a casting defect in the nose wheel fork.
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