History of the Flight
The flight began with a request to start the engine, which was confirmed. The pilot received permission to taxi out and held short of Runway 01. The surface wind was reported as 250 degrees at 13 knots, with crosswind conditions and gusts between 10 and 15 knots. The pilot indicated an intention to use Runway 01. After lining up and waiting, the pilot advised readiness and received takeoff clearance. The aircraft became airborne and reported left downwind. The next call was for final approach, and the pilot requested a touch-and-go landing. After landing, the aircraft vacated the runway to the right and backtracked along the runway. During the backtrack, the pilot reported that the right control was back. Later, the throttle was fully retarded and the master switch was turned off.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear. The left main landing gear leg had dents. The bracket supporting the landing gear inboard was found to have a shear fracture, with the shear force directed from inside toward outside, combined with bending stresses. The landing gear shock strut exhibited signs of overheating and bleeding. The brake master cylinder also showed evidence of overheating.
Meteorological Information
The surface wind was 250 degrees at 13 knots, with gusts varying between 10 and 15 knots. The wind conditions were characterized as crosswind with sudden increments and gusting.
Tests and Research
Examination of the inboard landing gear support bracket revealed a shear fracture. The fracture surfaces showed shear force applied from inside to outside, along with bending stresses. The landing gear shock strut and brake master cylinder were found to have been subjected to overheating.
Additional Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 185F, registration SU-BBF, serial number 185/03580. It was equipped with a Continental IO-520-D engine and a McCauley B2A34C-205-C propeller. The gross weight at the time was 3350 lb, with an empty weight of 2026.5 lb. The aircraft was used for agricultural purposes (AG-Carryall).