On October 5, 1993, a Piper PA-18 (registration N5285J) was involved in an aviation accident near Haines, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to conduct a landing on an unimproved surface that resulted in structural failure of the right oleo strut and collapse of both main landing gear assemblies. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage when both landing gear assemblies collapsed during a tundra touchdown after the pilot flared and reduced power.
What happened
During the final phase of flight, the pilot initiated a flare approximately three feet above the ground surface. Following this maneuver, the throttle was retarded to idle, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly onto an unimproved tundra terrain. Upon impact with the ground, both main landing gear assemblies collapsed under the load.
The investigation
Post-acc examination of the airframe revealed a structural failure in the right oleo strut. Specifically, a fracture was identified within the welded section of the tubing. The aircraft had been equipped with specialized 30-inch tundra tires intended for rough field operations.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to conduct a landing on an unimproved surface that resulted in structural failure of the right oleo strut and collapse of both main landing gear assemblies.
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