Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Bolt Failure During Takeoff After Mud Hole Encounter (N86405)

Vicksburg, MS, US

On September 21, 1990, a Cessna A188B (registration N86405) was involved in an aviation accident near Vicksburg, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right main landing gear attach bolt due to overload. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff ground roll, the right side of the aircraft sank after tail lift-off, causing a right main landing gear attach bolt to fail due to overload after encountering a mud hole on the runway.

Accident Narrative

During the takeoff ground roll, after the pilot raised the tail, the right side of the aircraft began to sink. The main landing gear then broke out from under the aircraft, resulting in the aircraft veering off the left side of the runway.

Airstrip Examination

An FAA inspector examined the airstrip and found a mud hole on the runway at the location where the tail wheel would typically lift off during takeoff. The inspector reported that the pilot had gotten too close to the soft spot. The right main landing gear attach bolt fractured after the gear traveled into the mud hole.

Metallurgical Findings

A metallurgical examination of the failed landing gear attach bolt was conducted. The examination determined that the bolt failed due to overload.

Probable cause

Failure of the right main landing gear attach bolt due to overload.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24330. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.