On May 1, 1995, a Cessna 172 (registration N2548Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Twisp, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A NOSE LANDING GEAR ASSEMBLY BOLT (NO COTTER KEY INSTALLED) BY UNKNOWN MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL. THIS LED TO A FAILURE OF THE NOSE LANDING GEAR STEERING AND SUBSEQUENT NOSEOVER DURING LANDING ROLLOUT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot lost directional control after the nose landing gear settled during landing; the aircraft veered left off the runway, skidded into dirt, and nosed over. The center scissor bolt was missing and found on the runway, lacking a cotter key.
Accident Details
A private pilot conducted multiple touch-and-go landings before performing a full stop landing. The pilot then taxied back and took off again with no reported issues. During the subsequent traffic pattern entry and landing attempt, the pilot reported losing directional control immediately after the nose landing gear settled onto the runway. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway, skidded into the dirt, nosed over, and sustained substantial damage.
Examination Findings
Examination of the nose landing gear assembly revealed that the center scissor bolt was missing and the nose gear was cocked to one side. The bolt was recovered on the runway approximately 800 feet from the wreckage. Inspection of the bolt showed that no cotter key had been installed to secure the nut.
What happened in the 1 May 1995 Cessna 172 accident near Twisp, WA?
A private pilot lost directional control after the nose landing gear settled during landing; the aircraft veered left off the runway, skidded into dirt, and nosed over. The center scissor bolt was missing and found on the runway, lacking a cotter key.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 May 1995 Cessna 172 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 May 1995 involved a Cessna 172, registration N2548Y, at Twisp, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A NOSE LANDING GEAR ASSEMBLY BOLT (NO COTTER KEY INSTALLED) BY UNKNOWN MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL. THIS LED TO A FAILURE OF THE NOSE LANDING GEAR STEERING AND SUBSEQUENT NOSEOVER DURING LANDING ROLLOUT.
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