What happened
A certificated commercial pilot was performing a landing on runway 21 of a paved runway in a tailwheel equipped airplane. Following the landing rollout, the pilot initiated a left turn to exit the runway. During this maneuver, the right main landing gear leg separated at the bolt holes where the wheel is attached. As a result of the separation, the right wing struck the ground and sustained minor damage.
The investigation
A metallurgical examination was conducted on the failed gear leg. This analysis revealed that multiple fatigue cracks had developed, originating from various corrosion pits located within the bolt holes.
Records indicated that the aircraft had been involved in a previous ground loop accident and had seen extensive use for off-airport landings while utilizing wheel/skis. Although a dye-penetrant inspection of the failed gear leg had been performed approximately 300 flight hours before the failure, there are currently no specific inspection intervals mandated by the FAA or Cessna for this component; instead, landing gear legs are replaced on an "on condition" basis.