On October 18, 1992, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N14695) operated by Classic Wings, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Junction, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The upper drag strut bracket was broken due to fatigue cracking at multiple points of origin and overstress separations. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After the gear unsafe light illuminated, a low pass confirmed the gear appeared down. Landing led to a runway excursion and nose gear collapse. Examination found the upper drag strut bracket fractured due to fatigue cracking and overstress.
Incident Overview
During the landing phase of a flight, the pilot observed illumination of the gear unsafe light after lowering the landing gear. In response, a low pass was conducted, during which control tower personnel advised that the landing gear appeared to be in the down position. Upon landing, the aircraft swerved off the runway and the nose gear subsequently collapsed.
Post-Incident Examination
A post-incident examination of the aircraft revealed that the upper drag strut bracket was broken. Further metallurgical examination of the fractured pieces disclosed features typical of fatigue cracking at multiple points of origin, as well as overstress separations. No other mechanical anomalies were reported.
Probable cause
The upper drag strut bracket was broken due to fatigue cracking at multiple points of origin and overstress separations.
What happened in the 18 Oct 1992 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Grand Junction, CO?
After the gear unsafe light illuminated, a low pass confirmed the gear appeared down. Landing led to a runway excursion and nose gear collapse. Examination found the upper drag strut bracket fractured due to fatigue cracking and overstress.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Oct 1992 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N14695, operated by Classic Wings, Inc., at Grand Junction, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The upper drag strut bracket was broken due to fatigue cracking at multiple points of origin and overstress separations.
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