Accident Details
On June 29, 2019, at about 1145 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 180, registration N75077, was substantially damaged during a landing attempt at Pickens County Airport (LQK) in Pickens, South Carolina. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported departing from runway 23, completing one traffic pattern, and returning to land. After lowering the tailwheel during landing, the airplane veered left. He applied power to initiate a go-around, but the airplane again veered left, began to climb, and then stalled.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the wreckage and noted that the left outboard wing was crushed upward, the nose was damaged, and the left main landing gear had separated. The inspector found no evidence that the brakes had locked during the landing. Further inspection revealed that the torque plate on the right main landing gear brake assembly had been improperly installed.
Aircraft Modifications
The airplane had been modified in accordance with a supplemental type certificate for bush tires, and an annual inspection had been performed two weeks before the accident.