Precautionary Landing Leads to Landing Gear Fracture

Accident Details

The pilot of a single-engine airplane was conducting a cross-country flight when the oil pressure and oil temperature indicators dropped to zero. In response, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing at a nearby airfield. The airplane touched down on the runway, and during the landing roll, the right main landing gear leg fractured just above the wheel attachment point. The wheel separated from the airplane, the landing gear leg collapsed, and the airplane exited the right side of the runway. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the maintenance logbooks revealed that the right main landing gear leg had fractured at the location of a previous repair. The aircraft had been equipped with larger tires and brakes after that repair was performed. The investigation did not address the cause of the oil temperature and pressure gauge fluctuations. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions other than the gauge indications that would have precluded normal operation.