On July 23, 2002, a Cessna 140 (registration N2070N) was involved in an aviation accident near Cook, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing on runway 13, the left main landing gear separated after the aircraft veered right, then left, leading to gear leg separation and the aircraft skidding off the runway.
Accident Details
The left main landing gear separated from the airplane while landing on runway 13. The pilot reported that the approach was normal. After touchdown, the airplane continued straight on the runway for a short distance before veering to the right. The pilot regained control and brought the airplane back to the center of the runway. At that point, the wheel axle and brake assembly separated from the left main gear. The left main gear leg then contacted the runway, causing the airplane to pull to the left. Subsequently, the gear leg separated from the airplane. The fuselage, propeller, and left wing struck the runway. The airplane skidded off the side of the runway and came to rest in the grass.
Weather Conditions
The weather observation taken at Cook Municipal Airport two minutes prior to the accident reported winds as calm. The pilot reported that the winds were variable out of the south at 5 to 6 knots.