On July 31, 2005, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N120CS) was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to taxi too close to the edge of the gravel airstrip, which led to the collapse of the taxiway edge and subsequent landing gear failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot taxied too close to the edge of a gravel airstrip, causing the surface to collapse and leading to a landing gear failure upon applying power.
What happened
During taxi operations for takeoff on a private gravel airstrip, the private pilot reported that he positioned the aircraft too close to the edge of the taxiway. The edge of the taxiway subsequently collapsed under the weight of the airplane. The pilot stated that he initially believed he had driven into a hole or rut and proceeded to apply power. As the airplane moved forward, it encountered a ditch, which caused the left main landing gear to collapse. This sequence of events resulted in substantial damage to the left wing of the airplane.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft following the incident. Examination revealed that the left main landing gear had collapsed due to the impact with the ditch. The left wing sustained substantial damage as a direct result of the gear failure and subsequent ground contact.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to taxi too close to the edge of the gravel airstrip, which led to the collapse of the taxiway edge and subsequent landing gear failure.
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