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Casualties unknown

Left Main Gear Collapse During Takeoff Roll (N7451K)

Quincy, CA, US

On June 13, 2000, a Piper PA-20 (registration N7451K) was involved in an aviation accident near Quincy, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The separation of the landing gear shock absorber end fitting from the gear strut, which led to the collapse of the left main landing gear during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

The left main landing gear failed during acceleration on takeoff, causing the wingtip to strike the ground and the aircraft to ground loop.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, the airplane accelerated normally until reaching approximately 40 miles per hour. At this speed, the left main landing gear collapsed unexpectedly. As the gear failed, the left wingtip dropped and made contact with the runway surface. The loss of support on the left side caused the aircraft to pivot sharply, resulting in a ground loop.

The investigation

Following the incident, investigators examined the landing gear assembly to determine the cause of the failure. The inspection revealed that the shock absorber end fitting had fractured and separated from the gear strut at the attachment point. This structural failure was identified as the primary reason for the collapse of the left main gear during the high-speed phase of the takeoff roll.

Probable cause

The separation of the landing gear shock absorber end fitting from the gear strut, which led to the collapse of the left main landing gear during takeoff.
Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jun 2000 Piper PA-20 accident near Quincy, CA?

The left main landing gear failed during acceleration on takeoff, causing the wingtip to strike the ground and the aircraft to ground loop.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jun 2000 involved a Piper PA-20, registration N7451K, at Quincy, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The separation of the landing gear shock absorber end fitting from the gear strut, which led to the collapse of the left main landing gear during takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21265. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.