Right main landing gear collapse during touchdown

Casualties unknown • Marion, OH, US

A right main landing gear failure caused an aircraft to swerve and contact the runway during the landing phase.

What happened

Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft began to swerve to the left. During this maneuver, the pilot reported hearing a scraping sound. The right main landing gear collapsed, causing the right wing to make contact with the runway. The aircraft eventually came to rest on the runway.

The investigation

An examination of the lower outboard portion of the right main landing gear leg was conducted. Investigators found that a fracture had occurred through the upper bolt hole attachment. Specifically, the forward portion of the bolt hole showed three fatigue regions that originated from corrosion pits. Additionally, the aft portion of the bolt hole exhibited one fatigue region originating from a corrosion pit. The aircraft had accumulated approximately 8,000 total hours of operation and had previously been used as a bush plane in Guatemala.

Probable cause

The collapse of the right main landing gear due to fatigue and corrosion at the upper bolt hole attachment.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-08-23 Cessna A185F accident near Marion, OH?

A right main landing gear failure caused an aircraft to swerve and contact the runway during the landing phase.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-08-23 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N44222, at Marion, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the right main landing gear due to fatigue and corrosion at the upper bolt hole attachment.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030904X01457. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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