Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Corrosion and Preexisting Damage Cited in Accident (N7507D)

Challis, ID, US

On August 13, 1996, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N7507D) was involved in an aviation accident near Challis, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Three support tubes on the left main landing gear cluster were corroded and had preexisting bending and failures, which were attributed to a landing gear failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported a landing gear failure after a rough departure, leading to a runway excursion and left wing damage. Examination revealed corroded and preexisting failures in three support tubes.

Accident Overview

A pilot landing to the south with a wind from the west experienced a runway excursion. The aircraft drifted to the right and went off the runway. The left wing was damaged, and damage was found at the left landing gear cluster on the fuselage. The pilot stated that the landing gear may have sustained damage during a previous departure from a rough airstrip with broken bunch grass. He indicated that everything appeared normal until touchdown at the destination, at which point the aircraft became uncontrollable and ground-looped to the right.

Examination Findings

Examination of the left main landing gear cluster revealed that three of the support tubes were corroded and had preexisting bending and failures. These conditions were attributed to a landing gear failure. According to the report, the area was accessible for inspection.

Probable cause

Three support tubes on the left main landing gear cluster were corroded and had preexisting bending and failures, which were attributed to a landing gear failure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06633. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.