On August 14, 1994, a Cessna 140 (registration N3736V) operated by Miller, Dan, T. was involved in an aviation accident near Dayton, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During land roll, the airplane veered left despite right rudder and braking, resulting in a ground loop. Post-accident inspection revealed the right main landing gear had separated at its attach point due to overload.
Incident Description
During the landing roll, the pilot reported that as ground speed and control effectiveness decreased, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot attempted to correct by applying right rudder control and braking action. Despite these inputs, the airplane continued to rotate to the left until it ground looped.
Pilot Actions
The pilot noted that after the accident, the right main landing gear had separated from the fuselage at its attach point. The pilot's application of right rudder and braking was insufficient to prevent the leftward rotation.
Post-Accident Inspection
Inspection of the attachment bolt revealed evidence of an overload separation. No other damage or conditions were specified in the source.