On May 20, 1999, a Beech D95A (registration N64TA) was involved in an aviation accident near Englewood, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A preexisting fatigue fracture in the right main landing gear strut, which extended through approximately 50 percent of the strut, causing structural failure during ground roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a touch-and-go landing, the right main landing gear collapsed due to a preexisting fatigue fracture through about 50% of the strut, causing the airplane to go down on its right wing.
Event Description
The pilot was performing his third touch-and-go landing when, during the ground roll, the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane subsequently went down on its right wing, resulting in the right wing being bent upwards and the right side of the fuselage being wrinkled.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the right main landing gear strut was conducted by a private metallurgist contracted by the insurance company. The examination revealed a preexisting fatigue fracture that extended through approximately 50 percent of the strut.
Findings
The fracture was identified as fatigue-induced, indicating that the failure was not a result of the specific maneuver but due to prior stress accumulation. No other contributing factors were noted in the source.
Probable cause
A preexisting fatigue fracture in the right main landing gear strut, which extended through approximately 50 percent of the strut, causing structural failure during ground roll.