Incident Overview
A Cessna 172G impacted the runway during landing following a loss of directional control. The incident was investigated, and findings centered on the right main landing gear strut.
Landing Gear Examination
Inspection of the right main landing gear revealed that the cabin entry step was welded on the bottom side of the strut. The strut had fractured at the weld attaching the step to the strut. Similarly, the cabin entry step on the left main landing gear strut was also welded to its strut.
Maintenance Documentation
There was no logbook entry regarding the welding of the cabin entry step on either landing gear strut. Additionally, the last annual inspection was not performed by an Inspection Authorized (IA) airframe and powerplant mechanic.
Manufacturer's Specifications
The Cessna Service Manual, under section 5-7, Step Bracket Replacement, states: "The step bracket is secured to the landing gear strut with Conley-Weld, or a similar epoxy base adhesive." The manual does not specify welding as an approved attachment method.
Conclusion
The incident involved a loss of directional control during landing, with the right main landing gear strut having fractured at a weld. The welding of the cabin entry step deviated from the manufacturer's recommended adhesive attachment method.