On May 29, 1993, a Cessna 185 (registration N80124) operated by White, Carl H. was involved in an aviation accident near Bulchitna Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue cracking that initiated from corrosion pitting in the bolt holes and exterior surfaces of the lower portion of the gear leg. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a moderately hard landing that led to the separation of the right main wheel from the landing gear due to fatigue cracking originating from corrosion pitting in the gear leg.
Overview
The pilot-in-command reported that during a landing, he experienced a moderately hard touchdown. Subsequently, the right main wheel separated from the landing gear at the upper bolt holes. These bolt holes normally secure the axle to the landing gear leg.
Examination Findings
A metallurgical examination of the landing gear leg was conducted. The examination revealed that the failure originated from an area of fatigue cracking. This fatigue cracking had initiated from corrosion pitting present in the bolt holes and on the exterior surfaces of the lower portion of the gear leg.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the wheel separation occurred due to fatigue cracking that developed from corrosion pitting in the landing gear leg structure.
Probable cause
Fatigue cracking that initiated from corrosion pitting in the bolt holes and exterior surfaces of the lower portion of the gear leg.
What happened in the 29 May 1993 Cessna 185 accident near Bulchitna Lake, AK?
A pilot reported a moderately hard landing that led to the separation of the right main wheel from the landing gear due to fatigue cracking originating from corrosion pitting in the gear leg.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 May 1993 involved a Cessna 185, registration N80124, operated by White, Carl H., at Bulchitna Lake, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fatigue cracking that initiated from corrosion pitting in the bolt holes and exterior surfaces of the lower portion of the gear leg.
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