On July 1, 1999, a Piper PA-22 (registration N3513A) was involved in an aviation accident near Billings, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The separation of the left main landing gear shock strut for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing, the aircraft drifted left despite right rudder and brake application. Post-crash examination revealed the left main landing gear shock strut tube had separated, causing the gear to collapse.
Event Details
The pilot reported that upon touchdown, the aircraft began to drift left. Right rudder was applied to correct the drift, but it had no effect. As the drift continued, the pilot applied right brake, increasing brake pressure until he 'was pushing against the seat.' The aircraft continued to veer left, tightening its turn radius until it had rotated more than 180 degrees counter-clockwise. During the rotation, the aircraft settled to the left in line with the runway lights and came to a stop.
Post-Crash Examination
A post-crash examination by a certified mechanic revealed that the left main landing gear shock strut tube had separated at its attach point to the left main wheel assembly. This separation would have allowed the release of the left main landing gear, permitting it to pivot into a flat (collapsed) position.