Casualties unknown

Left Main Gear Tube Separation During Landing on Gravel Airstrip (N4450A)

Deadhorse, AK, US

On August 8, 1994, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N4450A) operated by Brady, Charles I. was involved in an aviation accident near Deadhorse, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE SEPARATION OF THE LANDING GEAR TUBE AT THE SPINDLE DUE TO CORROSION. AN INADEQUATE ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. 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 a landing on a gravel airstrip after a personal cross-country flight for sheep hunting, the left main gear tube separated at the axle spindle, causing the airplane to ground loop. Corrosion was found at the separation point.

Landing and Gear Failure

The pilot and one passenger were landing on a gravel airstrip following the completion of a personal cross-country flight conducted for the purpose of sheep hunting. During the landing touchdown, the left main gear tube separated at the axle spindle, and the airplane subsequently ground looped.

Post-Accident Findings

The pilot reported finding corrosion at the point of separation in an area covered by the aircraft's fabric skin. The fabric had been installed on the airplane 30 years before the accident. The airplane had received an annual inspection 43 hours before the accident.

No Other Details

No other contributing factors or details were reported in the investigation source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01914. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.