Accident Details
On August 29, 2019, at about 1900 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-22 (registration N7236D) equipped with tundra tires and a tailwheel sustained substantial damage following a partial separation of the left main landing gear near Talkeetna, Alaska. The airplane was operated by Alaska Floats and Skis under 14 CFR Part 91. The certificated flight instructor and a certificated private pilot receiving instruction were not injured. The flight had departed Talkeetna Airport (PATK).
While conducting an off-airport landing site drag, the flight instructor heard an audible "pop" and observed a partial separation of the left main landing gear. The crew returned to Talkeetna, performed a flyby, and was informed that the left main landing gear was loose. During the ensuing emergency landing, the airplane ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Examination
An initial examination revealed that the aft left weld-on fuselage landing gear fitting had separated at the weld area from the fuselage. A photographic visual examination by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Materials Laboratory identified an unacceptable weld filet profile, which included incomplete fusion, a lack of penetration, and gross porosity in the weld deposit. The NTSB report is in the public docket for this accident.
Weather
The closest weather reporting facility is Talkeetna Airport (PATK). At 1853, a METAR reported wind from 200° at 4 knots, visibility 5 statute miles with smoke and haze, overcast clouds at 4,600 feet, temperature 66°F, dew point 45°F, and an altimeter setting of 30.08 inches of mercury.