Left main landing gear collapse during landing roll

Casualties unknown • Madison, SD, US

A pilot experienced significant tail wheel shimmy and a subsequent left main landing gear collapse while exiting the runway.

What happened

During the landing roll, the pilot of the aircraft reported that after touchdown, the tail wheel began to shimmy, causing the airplane to shake. In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft and stop the shimmy, the pilot applied the rudder from side to side.

As the landing roll neared completion, the aircraft veered to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the directional deviation using left rudder and the brake, but the aircraft continued to veer off the paved surface and into the grass. Upon entering the grass, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to come to rest on its left side.

The investigation

The investigation into the mechanical state of the aircraft revealed that the tail springs had become unhooked as a direct result of the tail wheel shimmy experienced during the landing.

Probable cause

The collapse of the left main landing gear occurred after the aircraft veered into the grass following a period of intense tail wheel shimmy.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-07-15 Cessna 180 accident near Madison, SD?

A pilot experienced significant tail wheel shimmy and a subsequent left main landing gear collapse while exiting the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-07-15 involved a Cessna 180, registration N3306D, at Madison, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the left main landing gear occurred after the aircraft veered into the grass following a period of intense tail wheel shimmy.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070803X01099. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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