On September 30, 1997, a Cessna 180 (registration N4900A) was involved in an aviation accident near King Salmon, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The distorted/misaligned main landing gear, and an improper maintenance repair of the main landing gear. A factor associated with the accident was rough and uneven terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane veered right during landing on a gravel strip, departed the runway, and nosed over after the left main landing gear separated. Post-accident inspection revealed the right main landing gear was canted and installed with incorrect rivets.
Accident Narrative
The airplane had departed from a rough, rocky gravel bar. During the subsequent landing roll on the pilot's gravel strip, the airplane veered to the right. As the airplane decelerated, the pilot applied full left rudder and brake inputs but was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane departed the right side of the strip, resulting in the separation of the left main landing gear and the airplane nosing over.
Inspection Findings
A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed that the right main landing gear was canted ten degrees to the right. Additionally, the landing gear had been installed using Cherry Max rivets instead of the required solid rivets.
What happened in the 30 Sept 1997 Cessna 180 accident near King Salmon, AK?
An airplane veered right during landing on a gravel strip, departed the runway, and nosed over after the left main landing gear separated. Post-accident inspection revealed the right main landing gear was canted and installed with incorrect rivets.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Sept 1997 involved a Cessna 180, registration N4900A, at King Salmon, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The distorted/misaligned main landing gear, and an improper maintenance repair of the main landing gear. A factor associated with the accident was rough and uneven terrain.
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