Accident Details
On February 26, 2018, at about 0745 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, registration N1722J, was substantially damaged during landing at Mackinac Island Airport (KMCD), Mackinac Island, Michigan. The commercial certificated pilot and four passengers were not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by Great Lakes Air Inc. under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as a non-scheduled passenger flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no Federal Aviation Administration flight plan was filed. The flight had departed Mackinac County Airport (83D), St. Ignace, Michigan, about 0730, en route to KMCD.
Pilot's Account
According to a written statement from the pilot, the airplane was on final approach when he heard a "thud." During the landing flare, the airplane seemed to settle more than normal. Suspecting a landing gear problem or a blown tire, the pilot decided to continue with the landing. He landed as "gently" as possible; however, the airplane continued to settle, and the right wing touched the ground. He moved the engine throttle control to idle and maintained directional control with the rudder.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination by the responding FAA inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing spar. The right main landing gear had separated and was located on the runway, about 200 feet from the arrival threshold. Further examination showed that the attachment hardware for the right main landing gear was not present in 7 of the 8 mounting holes on the top or bottom mounting brackets. One screw remained in the outboard top bracket of the assembly and was sheared, consistent with overload. Several of the holes were elongated, consistent with inadequate torque of the fasteners. Additionally, fretting was noted at the gear/spar attach point. The sheet metal and mounting surfaces on the wing were otherwise unremarkable.
Maintenance History
A review of the maintenance records for the airplane revealed that the right main landing gear cylinder was removed and replaced on December 31, 2013. Several annual inspections had taken place since the replacement of the cylinder. The records indicated that the work was done in accordance with the Piper Maintenance Manual.
Manufacturer Specifications
According to the Piper service manual for the airplane, the upper bracket of the assembly required 4 screws to attach the bracket to the wing. The lower bracket required 4 bolt/nut combinations. Each fastener should have been torqued to 50 to 70 inch-pounds at installation.