Accident Details
On June 23, 2008, at approximately 0815 central daylight time, a Cessna 195, registration N4426C, operated by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the right main landing gear collapsed during landing at West Houston Airport (IWS), Houston, Texas. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The cross-country flight originated from Fredericksburg (T82), Texas, at approximately 0645, en route to Houston.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot's accident report, he performed a "smooth wheel landing" on runway 33 at a touchdown speed of 80 mph. After the tail wheel settled, the pilot applied brakes, and the airplane began veering left. Despite corrective action, the airplane started a ground loop. The pilot reported that side loads on the right main gear caused the wheel to break off, followed by the gear strut digging into the ground and breaking off.
FAA Inspection
An FAA inspector at the accident site noted the right main wheel remained attached to the landing gear strut. The left wing's leading edge was crushed from tip to root, both elevators were bent, and the firewall was wrinkled. No evidence of pre-existing failure or malfunction of the airplane or flight controls was found. Weather conditions were clear with calm winds.