Accident Details
On April 10, 2025, at 1207 mountain standard time, a Cessna 170A, registration N1371D, sustained substantial damage during a landing accident near Maricopa, Arizona. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries.
Flight History
The pilot had purchased the tailwheel-equipped airplane a few days before the accident. He hired a flight instructor at Montgomery-Gibbs Field Executive Airport (MYF) in San Diego, California, and performed several landings before departing for a cross-country flight to Florida. The pilot intended a fuel stop at Ak-Chin Regional Airport (A39) in Maricopa, Arizona.
Landing Sequence
While on final approach to A39, the pilot aborted the first landing due to misalignment with the runway. On the second approach, the landing was stable, and he executed a three-point landing. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right. The right wing contacted the runway surface as the pilot applied rudder corrections. The airplane then veered left, exited the runway, and came to rest upright.
Witness and Pilot Observations
The pilot reported that witnesses at the airport stated the right main landing gear failed after the airplane touched down. He added that the right main landing gear wheel and axle assembly had separated. While walking the runway, the pilot observed a skid mark from the right tire leading to the point where the wheel assembly separated.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing and horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. The airplane was recovered for further examination.