On April 1, 1995, an American Champion (acac) 8KCAB (registration N111LS) operated by Don Hart was involved in an aviation accident near Long Beach, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A lack of weld fusion in the left main landing gear attachment bracket. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing rollout, an aircraft listed left after the left main landing gear bracket failed due to a lack of weld fusion. The aircraft had 71.9 hours flight time.
Landing Event
The pilot reported that after touching down, the aircraft bounced slightly. He recovered from the bounce and continued the landing. During rollout, the pilot noted that the aircraft began to list excessively toward its left side. In spite of his control inputs, the aircraft continued to list until the left wing finally contacted the runway.
Mechanical Investigation
An inspection of the aircraft revealed that the left main landing gear attachment bracket had separated in the area of the weld. A stereo microscope examination of the fracture surfaces revealed a lack of weld fusion, indicating that the weld had not properly bonded the bracket components.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was manufactured in January 1995 and had accrued a total of 71.9 hours flight time with no reported prior damage.
Probable cause
A lack of weld fusion in the left main landing gear attachment bracket.
What happened in the 1 Apr 1995 American Champion (acac) 8KCAB accident near Long Beach, CA?
During landing rollout, an aircraft listed left after the left main landing gear bracket failed due to a lack of weld fusion. The aircraft had 71.9 hours flight time.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Apr 1995 American Champion (acac) 8KCAB accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Apr 1995 involved an American Champion (acac) 8KCAB, registration N111LS, operated by Don Hart, at Long Beach, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A lack of weld fusion in the left main landing gear attachment bracket.
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