On April 11, 1995, a Cessna 170A (registration N1276D) was involved in an aviation accident near Woodland, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Worn crosswind landing gear detent stop and snubber pin, which allowed the left wheel to unlock prematurely and without warning. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a VFR personal flight, a conventional gear airplane bounced on landing, porpoised, ground looped, and exited the runway. Post-accident examination revealed worn crosswind landing gear components.
Accident Description
The pilot was conducting a VFR personal flight in a conventional gear airplane. During the landing, the airplane bounced and subsequently porpoised, ground looped, and departed the right side of the runway.
Pilot Accounts
The pilot informed a ground witness that she had "messed up the landing." In the accident report, the pilot stated that the right landing gear wheel had "locked up."
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the brakes, tires, and flight control systems found them to be in good condition. However, the crosswind landing gear detent stop and snubber pin were worn. This condition allowed the left wheel to unlock prematurely and without warning.
Probable cause
Worn crosswind landing gear detent stop and snubber pin, which allowed the left wheel to unlock prematurely and without warning.