On September 6, 1993, a Cessna 182A (registration N4847D) operated by David P. Mcrae was involved in an aviation accident near Potrero, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The overload failure of the upper nose gear torque link and the subsequent separation of the nose wheel and fork assembly from the nose gear strut. A factor in the accident was the surface irregularity in the dirt landing strip. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing on a dirt airstrip, an aircraft's nose wheel lifted after striking a raised irregularity, leading to landing gear collapse and nose-over. Examination revealed an overload fracture in the upper torque link.
Incident Details
The aircraft's landing sequence began normally, with touchdown and initial ground roll proceeding without issue. However, the aircraft then encountered a raised surface irregularity in the dirt airstrip. Contact with the irregularity caused the nose wheel to lift off the ground. When the nose wheel subsequently contacted the ground again, the landing gear collapsed, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.
Examination Findings
Following the incident, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspectors examined the aircraft. They found that the nose wheel and fork assembly had separated from the nose strut. This separation occurred when the nose wheel was lifted off the airstrip by the irregularity. Further inspection revealed that the upper torque link had failed at a point approximately one inch below the upper attach point. The fracture face of the upper torque link exhibited overload characteristics, with a clean appearance and no discoloration or beach markings evident. These features are consistent with a sudden, overload failure rather than a progressive fatigue crack.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 6 Sept 1993 Cessna 182A accident near Potrero, CA?
During landing on a dirt airstrip, an aircraft's nose wheel lifted after striking a raised irregularity, leading to landing gear collapse and nose-over. Examination revealed an overload fracture in the upper torque link.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Sept 1993 involved a Cessna 182A, registration N4847D, operated by David P. Mcrae, at Potrero, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The overload failure of the upper nose gear torque link and the subsequent separation of the nose wheel and fork assembly from the nose gear strut. A factor in the accident was the surface irregularity in the dirt landing strip.
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