No fatalities

15 Apr 2013: BEECH A36 — Lake Clark Air, INC — Port Alsworth, AK

Port Alsworth, AK, United States

On 15 Apr 2013, a BEECH A36 operated by Lake Clark Air, INC was involved in an aviation accident near Port Alsworth, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the left main landing gear retraction brace assembly, resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During landing on a dry unpaved airstrip, the left main landing gear retraction brace assembly broke, causing the gear to collapse. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left aileron. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were reported. Maintenance records showed no replacement of the brace assembly in 19,770 hours of service.

Incident Overview

The pilot was landing the airplane on a dry, unpaved airstrip when the left main landing gear retraction brace assembly (part number 35-815125-2) broke, leading to the collapse of the left main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left aileron as a result of the collapse.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the landing.

Maintenance Records

Examination of the airplane's maintenance logbooks revealed no record that the brace assembly had ever been replaced during the airframe's total time in service of 19,770 hours. The brace assembly is a component that is replaced on condition, meaning it is only required to be replaced when inspection reveals wear or damage.

Contributing factors

Main landing gear — Failure