Main Landing Gear Failure During Landing Attempt

Casualties unknown • Eloy, AZ, US

A pilot experienced a loss of directional control and subsequent landing gear failure while performing practice approaches in a single-engine aircraft.

What happened

Prior to the incident, the pilot had been conducting flight maneuvers including stalls, banks, and steep turns. The pilot then proceeded to perform five to six low approaches over the runway.

During the first landing attempt, the pilot established an approach speed of 75 mph with the flaps set to 20 degrees. The aircraft touched down just beyond the runway numbers. Following the touchdown, the aircraft bounced back into the air, prompting the pilot to lower the nose. This resulted in a stall and subsequent contact with the runway.

Upon contacting the runway, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control using the rudder. The aircraft veered to the right, at which point the pilot applied left rudder and braking. These actions caused the airplane to skid into a 180-degree turn. During this skidding maneuver, the main landing gear sheered off from the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot experienced an aerodynamic stall following a bounced touchdown, leading to a loss of directional control and subsequent structural failure of the main landing gear during a ground skid.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-08-15 Cessna 188 accident near Eloy, AZ?

A pilot experienced a loss of directional control and subsequent landing gear failure while performing practice approaches in a single-engine aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-08-15 involved a Cessna 188, registration N9957J, at Eloy, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot experienced an aerodynamic stall following a bounced touchdown, leading to a loss of directional control and subsequent structural failure of the main landing gear during a ground skid.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08681. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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