Accident Overview
On August 17, 2009, at approximately 1330 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 140A (registration N9467A) operated by a private individual was substantially damaged during landing at Westchester County Airport (HPN) in White Plains, New York. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the Part 91 personal flight, which originated at East Hampton, New York at 1300.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that his approach to runway 34 was stable and on speed. During the flare, he sensed he was slightly high, so he added power, leveled the nose, and flared again. The airplane initially touched down, bounced, and touched down a second time. The pilot described the landing as "firm." The airplane then veered uncontrollably off the left side of the runway. After exiting, the pilot noted that the right main landing gear had separated from its gear box.
FAA Inspection
An FAA inspector examined the airplane post-accident and reported that the right side "bulkhead assembly – landing gear failed." Specifically, the structure immediately under the gear that sandwiches the gear in place failed. The inspector noted that the airplane had recently undergone an annual inspection, and the section where the part failed would not be visible without disassembly.
NTSB Materials Laboratory Findings
The failed landing gear component, a welded "C" channel structure, was sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory. It had fractures at opposite ends. One fracture was typical of shearing and tensile overstress separation. The other fracture was adjacent to a weld line, with features consistent with overstress separation for most of its length. However, a rusted and discolored region at the center leg of the "C" channel indicated a preexisting crack. Fracture face recontact damage and differential rusting in this region suggested progressive crack extension.
Weather Conditions
At 1356, the weather observation for HPN reported few clouds at 6,000 feet, surface winds variable at 4 knots, visibility 8 statute miles, temperature 31°C, dew point 19°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.16 inches of mercury.