What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-01-30 involved a Cessna A185E, registration N2303Y, at Lewiston, ID.

Left Landing Gear Fails During Landing Due to Bolt Shear Failure (N2303Y)

On January 30, 2006, a Cessna A185E (registration N2303Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Lewiston, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the 7/16-inch AN bolt in shear loading, which allowed the left landing gear to pivot and resulted in failure of the lower landing gear box web. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During landing, the left landing gear of an aircraft collapsed after the attaching bolt failed in shear, causing the aircraft to veer left and sustain structural damage.

Accident Description

Upon touchdown, the left landing gear leg began to fail as the aircraft's weight transferred to the wheels. The left gear folded outward, causing the airplane to veer left. The left wing tip then struck an embankment, bringing the airplane to a stop.

Examination Findings

An FAA inspector examined the airplane and discovered structural damage to the left gear box, left wing strut, left wing tip, left aileron, the rear spar of the left wing, and the propeller. The investigation revealed that the 7/16-inch AN bolt securing the left gear leg to the fuselage had failed in shear loading. This failure allowed the gear to pivot on the landing gear box, which subsequently led to failure of the lower landing gear box web.

Damage

The following components sustained damage: left gear box, left wing strut, left wing tip, left aileron, rear spar of the left wing, and the propeller.

Probable cause

Failure of the 7/16-inch AN bolt in shear loading, which allowed the left landing gear to pivot and resulted in failure of the lower landing gear box web.

2006-01-30: Cessna A185E (N2303Y) — Lewiston, ID