On April 26, 1998, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N154CH) was involved in an aviation accident near Fruitland Park, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right main landing gear fork and rod assembly failed due to overstress, with the AN bolt failing in shear, leading to the loss of control during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Following a normal touchdown, the right main landing gear assembly failed, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and strike obstructions during the incident.
What happened
The flight proceeded normally until the moment of touchdown on the grass runway. Upon contact with the surface, the right main landing gear fork and rod assembly experienced a catastrophic failure. This structural loss caused the right wing to drop rapidly toward the ground. The wing then made contact with the runway surface, leading the airplane to veer sharply to the right. During this uncontrolled excursion, the aircraft collided with obstructions located off the paved or prepared surface.
The investigation
A detailed metallurgical examination was conducted on the failed components to determine the nature of the failure. The analysis focused on the fork and rod assembly as well as the associated AN bolt. The examination revealed that the fork failed due to overstress conditions. Additionally, the AN bolt was found to have failed in shear. Crucially, the inspection noted no preexisting cracks in either the failed fork or the bolt, indicating a sudden structural failure rather than fatigue-related degradation.
Probable cause
The right main landing gear fork and rod assembly failed due to overstress, with the AN bolt failing in shear, leading to the loss of control during the landing roll.