Cessna 172S Landing Gear Incident at EPBA (SP-MMD)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 4 March 2016, an incident involving a Cessna 172S aircraft was recorded at EPBA. The aircraft, registered as SP-MMD with manufacturer serial number 172S10840, was produced in 2008 and had accumulated 488.8 flight hours at the time of the event. The operator was PPHU Martex-Plus Marcin Mistarz s.j., based in Ruda Śląska. ## Investigation Findings During a landing gear inspection, damage was identified on the lower surface of the left main landing gear leg, located just above its bend and above the wheel axle attachment. The investigation determined that the direct cause of the damage was contact with screws (P/N S1021Z6-6) that connect the front and rear sections of the wheel hub fairing (P/N 0541224-1). The damage was described as mechanical rather than corrosive, with a measured depth of 0.020 inches (0.5 mm). ## Safety Actions and Cause The incident was reported to the aircraft manufacturer to determine the appropriate repair or replacement of the leg. FLY Bielsko Usługi Lotnicze, the investigating entity, also notified the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The official probable cause was identified as the inappropriate selection of screw lengths by the aircraft manufacturer. No safety recommendations were issued by the commission.