On April 3, 1997, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N6148H) was involved in an aviation accident near Lafayette, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a fatigue failure of the fight main landing gear strut/spar attachment screws. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a night training flight, the right main landing gear collapsed after touchdown, following a shimmy. Examination revealed fatigue cracks in two attachment screws.
Accident Details
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting night takeoffs and landings. During the third landing, after touchdown, the right main landing gear strut began to shimmy at an airspeed of approximately 30 knots. The shimmy led to the collapse of the landing gear, and the airplane came to rest on the runway. The CFI reported that aft elevator pressure was used to slow the airplane, rather than the brakes.
Investigation Findings
Metallurgical examination of the fractured landing gear strut/spar attachment screws revealed that two of the four screws contained fatigue cracking. The fractures of the other two screws were determined to be secondary failures, occurring after the initial failure of the fatigued screws. The investigation did not specify any other contributing factors.
What happened in the 3 Apr 1997 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Lafayette, IN?
During a night training flight, the right main landing gear collapsed after touchdown, following a shimmy. Examination revealed fatigue cracks in two attachment screws.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Apr 1997 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N6148H, at Lafayette, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
a fatigue failure of the fight main landing gear strut/spar attachment screws.
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