On February 2, 2020, a Piper PA28RT 201T was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Myers, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fracture of the right main landing gear torque link bolt on landing, which resulted in the landing gear assembly rotating freely, the subsequent loss of directional control, and the landing gear collapsing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an uneventful flight, a commercial pilot experienced a runway excursion during landing. The airplane veered right, the left wing contacted the runway, and the left main landing gear collapsed. Postaccident examination found a fractured and corroded torque link bolt in the right main landing gear.
Accident Sequence
The commercial pilot conducted an uneventful flight and subsequently approached the runway for landing. During the touchdown phase, the airplane unexpectedly veered to the right. As a result of this deviation, the left wing contacted the runway surface. The left main landing gear then collapsed. The aircraft eventually came to rest. Examination after the accident revealed that the left wing and fuselage had sustained substantial damage. Additionally, the left main landing gear had collapsed during the event. The aircraft was substantially damaged.
Postaccident Examination
Following the accident, investigators examined the airplane. The right main landing gear wheel assembly was found to be free to rotate about the strut. The bolt securing the torque link had fractured, and the fracture surfaces exhibited a corroded appearance. The landing gear assembly and the separated bolt were not subjected to further detailed analysis.
What happened in the 2 Feb 2020 Piper PA28RT 201T accident near Fort Myers, FL?
During an uneventful flight, a commercial pilot experienced a runway excursion during landing. The airplane veered right, the left wing contacted the runway, and the left main landing gear collapsed. Postaccident examination found a fractured and corroded torque link bolt in the right main landing gear.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 Feb 2020 Piper PA28RT 201T accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Feb 2020 involved a Piper PA28RT 201T, at Fort Myers, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The fracture of the right main landing gear torque link bolt on landing, which resulted in the landing gear assembly rotating freely, the subsequent loss of directional control, and the landing gear collapsing.
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