On August 10, 2007, a Luscombe 8A (registration N71283) was involved in an aviation accident near Mason County, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The upper arm of the right main landing gear failed as a result of corrosion at a weld. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane ground looped after the right main landing gear collapsed during the landing roll due to corrosion at a weld, causing the right wing to strike the runway.
Accident Narrative
A 219-hour private pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on Runway 17. The pilot reported that the final approach and touchdown were normal. During the landing roll at approximately 20 knots, the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane subsequently ground looped, and the right wing collided with the runway.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was a 1946-vintage tailwheel design with a total of 3,957 hours accumulated. The upper arm of the right main landing gear had failed as a result of corrosion at a weld.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the mishap, the wind was reported from 150 degrees at 9 knots.
Findings
The failure of the right main landing gear upper arm due to corrosion at a weld led to the gear collapse and subsequent ground loop.
Probable cause
The upper arm of the right main landing gear failed as a result of corrosion at a weld.