Accident Details
On October 30, 2020, at approximately 1415 central daylight time, a Cessna 140 airplane, registration N76933, sustained substantial damage during an accident at South Texas International Airport in Edinburg, Texas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Landing and Sequence
The pilot reported having performed three uneventful takeoffs and landings in the tailwheel airplane prior to the incident. On the fourth landing, the airplane touched down at an estimated speed of 45–50 mph using a wheel landing technique. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane suddenly veered to the right and did not respond to rudder or brake inputs. The airplane departed the paved runway surface and entered soft grass-covered dirt. During the excursion, the left main landing gear separated from the airplane.
Post-Accident Examination
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The separated landing gear leg was not broken. The pilot noted that the attachment bolt for the left main landing gear was not located near the wreckage or on the runway. A mechanic who examined the airplane after the accident reported no preimpact mechanical deficiencies but did not elaborate on the status of the retaining bolt. Attempts to contact the mechanic for further discussion about the retaining bolt were unsuccessful, and therefore the bolt could not be evaluated.