On October 10, 2003, a Cessna 180 (registration N9278C) was involved in an aviation accident near Mccarthy, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The separation of the left main landing gear wheel from the gear leg, which led to a veer off the runway and subsequent collapse of the right main gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a supply run to a remote airstrip, an aircraft experienced a left main gear separation on its tenth landing of the day, leading to a collapse and structural damage.
What happened
The aircraft was engaged in a logistical operation, transporting essential supplies to a remote airstrip characterized by rough, gravel-covered terrain. The flight involved multiple landings throughout the day, with this incident occurring during approximately the tenth landing attempt.
Upon touchdown, the left main landing gear wheel detached from the gear leg. This sudden failure caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left. As a result of the directional instability and impact forces, the right main landing gear subsequently collapsed. Post-incident examination revealed that the left main landing gear leg had fractured specifically through the upper wheel mounting-bolt holes.
The accident resulted in significant structural damage to both the fuselage and the right wing of the aircraft. No injuries were reported among the crew or passengers, though the aircraft was rendered inoperable due to the extent of the mechanical failure.
Probable cause
The separation of the left main landing gear wheel from the gear leg, which led to a veer off the runway and subsequent collapse of the right main gear.