On April 24, 1995, a Cessna 185 (registration N62EC) was involved in an aviation accident near Bangor, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right main landing gear collapse due to excessive side loading during the landing roll, which caused the single bolt securing the gear to the box beam to pull through the nut. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The right main landing gear collapsed during the landing roll of a short field approach to runway 33. FAA analysis indicates excessive side loading from impact and weight caused the single securing bolt to pull through the nut.
What happened
The pilot executed a short field approach to runway 33. During the landing roll out, the right main gear collapsed.
The investigation
The FAA stated '...THE IMPACT AND WEIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT CREATED AN EXCESSIVE SIDE LOADING. THIS CAUSED THE RIGHT MAIN SPRING STEEL GEAR TO EXERT A TREMENDOUS UPWARD PULL ON THE SINGLE BOLT SECURING THE GEAR TO THE BOX BEAM. THE BOLT...HAD PULLED THROUGH THE...NUT....' The winds reported at the time of the accident, were from 300 degrees at 10 knots.
Findings
The right main gear failure was caused by excessive side loading. The single bolt securing the gear to the box beam pulled through the nut.
Probable cause
The right main landing gear collapse due to excessive side loading during the landing roll, which caused the single bolt securing the gear to the box beam to pull through the nut.
What happened in the 24 Apr 1995 Cessna 185 accident near Bangor, ME?
The right main landing gear collapsed during the landing roll of a short field approach to runway 33. FAA analysis indicates excessive side loading from impact and weight caused the single securing bolt to pull through the nut.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Apr 1995 involved a Cessna 185, registration N62EC, at Bangor, ME.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The right main landing gear collapse due to excessive side loading during the landing roll, which caused the single bolt securing the gear to the box beam to pull through the nut.
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