On November 16, 2002, a Cessna 172M (registration N548RM) operated by Sunquest Air Specialties Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Rosamond, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fatigue failure of left main landing gear strut at the upper fuselage aft attachment hole, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing rollout, the left main landing gear collapsed after brake application, causing wing spar damage. Examination revealed fatigue cracking and corrosion pitting at the attachment hole, with machining marks possibly accelerating corrosion.
Incident Overview
During the landing rollout, after the pilot applied the brakes, the left main landing gear collapsed. The collapse resulted in damage to the wing spar.
Examination Findings
The landing gear strut and associated hardware were examined by the Safety Board Materials Laboratory. The examination revealed an area of fatigue on the aft outboard side of the upper attachment hole. This area displayed corrosion pitting and fatigue cracking. Additionally, machining marks were present on the attachment hole surface, which may have accelerated the corrosion process.
Inspection History
The airplane underwent a 100-hour inspection 8 months prior to the accident. This inspection included a check of the landing gear.
What happened in the 16 Nov 2002 Cessna 172M accident near Rosamond, CA?
During landing rollout, the left main landing gear collapsed after brake application, causing wing spar damage. Examination revealed fatigue cracking and corrosion pitting at the attachment hole, with machining marks possibly accelerating corrosion.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Nov 2002 Cessna 172M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Nov 2002 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N548RM, operated by Sunquest Air Specialties Inc, at Rosamond, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The fatigue failure of left main landing gear strut at the upper fuselage aft attachment hole, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing roll.
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