Accident Overview
A certificated commercial pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on runway 21, a paved runway. After touchdown and rollout, the pilot initiated a left turn to exit the runway. During the turn, the right main landing gear leg separated at the wheel attachment bolt holes. The right wing subsequently struck the ground, sustaining minor damage.
Examination Findings
Metallurgical examination of the failed gear leg revealed multiple fatigue cracks. These cracks originated from various corrosion pits located within the bolt holes of the landing gear leg. The operator reported that the airplane had been involved in a previous ground loop accident and had been used extensively for off-airport landings utilizing wheel/skis.
Maintenance History
The failed gear leg had been inspected using a dye-penetrant process approximately 300 flight hours prior to the gear leg failure. Currently, there are no Cessna or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specified inspection intervals for this landing gear component. Landing gear legs are replaced "on condition," meaning replacement occurs only when wear or damage is observed during inspections.