1998-06-21: Cessna 180A — Bay City, MI

Casualties unknown • Bay City, MI, US

Probable cause

a fatigue failure of the left nose gear caster bolt which resulted in a separation of the nose gear during landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing roll a 'rumbling noise' was heard and the airplane pulled slightly to the left when he applied the brakes. He stated he pulled back on the elevator to no avail, and the airplane nosed down and flipped inverted. Post accident inspection revealed the front wheel on the left float separated from the airplane. The wheel attachment bracket then dug into the sod airstrip which resulted in the airplane nosing over. Metallurgical examination revealed the left caster axis bolt failed due to a fatigue fracture.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-06-21 Cessna 180A accident near Bay City, MI?

The pilot reported that during the landing roll a 'rumbling noise' was heard and the airplane pulled slightly to the left when he applied the brakes. He stated he pulled back on the elevator to no avail, and the airplane nosed down and flipped inverted. Post accident inspection revealed the front wheel on the left…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-06-21 involved a Cessna 180A, registration N9753B, at Bay City, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

a fatigue failure of the left nose gear caster bolt which resulted in a separation of the nose gear during landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10256. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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