Landing Gear Collapse During Full-Stop Landing

Casualties unknown • Redmond, OR, US

A pilot attempted a full-stop landing in challenging wind conditions, resulting in a hard impact that caused the right landing gear to collapse.

What happened

During a series of practice landings, the pilot encountered wind conditions that were deemed too challenging to continue the training session. Consequently, the pilot, who had approximately 35 hours of experience in conventional gear aircraft, decided to perform a full-stop landing.

As the aircraft approached the runway, it struck the surface with significant force, causing the plane to bounce back into the air and drift beyond the lateral boundaries of the runway. At this point, control of the aircraft was voluntarily transferred to a passenger who held a private pilot certificate and was a co-owner of the airplane. This passenger-pilot had approximately 180 hours of time in conventional gear aircraft.

Rather than executing a go-around, the passenger-pilot continued the approach for a full-stop landing. During this second landing attempt, the aircraft struck the runway surface with enough force to damage the gear leg attach saddle. Shortly after touchdown, the right gear leg collapsed underneath the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision not to execute a go-around following a bounced landing, combined with a hard impact on the runway surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-04-09 Cessna 180 accident near Redmond, OR?

A pilot attempted a full-stop landing in challenging wind conditions, resulting in a hard impact that caused the right landing gear to collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-04-09 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2933C, at Redmond, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision not to execute a go-around following a bounced landing, combined with a hard impact on the runway surface.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09958. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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