On April 4, 2007, a Luscombe 8F (registration N882JB) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocala, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the left main axle during the landing roll, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear. A crosswind on the landing runway was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing roll on runway 18, the aircraft veered right despite pilot control inputs. The left wing struck the ground, the left main landing gear collapsed, and post-accident inspection revealed a broken left axle at the landing gear strut exit.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during the landing roll on runway 18, the aircraft suddenly veered to the right. Despite the pilot's attempts to control the aircraft using the rudder and control stick, the deviation continued. The left wing then struck the ground, causing the right wing to rise as the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft came to a stop.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, the local METAR information indicated winds from 250 degrees at 12 knots, with clear skies.
Post-Accident Inspection
During a post-accident inspection, an airframe mechanic determined that the left axle had broken at the exit of the landing gear strut.