Landing gear collapse during touch-and-go maneuver

Casualties unknown • Clovis, NM, US

A private pilot was injured when the right main landing gear collapsed during a touch-and-go landing attempt, causing the aircraft to strike the runway.

What happened

A private pilot, acting as the sole occupant, was performing touch-and-go landings when an accident occurred during the takeoff portion of the maneuver. After completing a landing and applying full power for takeoff, the pilot attempted to adjust the aircraft trim. During this process, the airplane swerved to the left and experienced a hop.

This motion resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear, which caused the propeller and the right wing to strike the runway surface. Following the impact, the aircraft swerved toward the left side of the runway before coming to a complete stop. The pilot was not injured.

The investigation

The inspection of the aircraft revealed significant structural damage. The right wing was bent upward approximately 40 degrees at a point outboard of the wing strut. Additionally, the propeller and the right main landing gear sustained damage. The section of the fuselage located between the landing gear attachment points also showed evidence of damage from the impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-02-04 Cessna 180K accident near Clovis, NM?

A private pilot was injured when the right main landing gear collapsed during a touch-and-go landing attempt, causing the aircraft to strike the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-02-04 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N180PG, at Clovis, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in the subsequent swerve of the airplane. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of experience in make and model and his diverted attention while attempting to adjust the trim.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010216X00459. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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