What happened
On June 11, 2011, a Cessna 195B, registration N 2314C, was performing a landing on the grass runway 07L at Mnichovo Hradiště airport. After touchdown at approximately 70 MPH, the pilot transitioned the aircraft from the main gear to the tailwheel as the aircraft slowed. During the landing roll, the aircraft entered a slight skid. In an attempt to maintain a straight course using rudder control, the aircraft veered sharply to the left.
This sudden movement generated lateral forces that caused the right main landing gear attachment to fail and tear away from the fuselage. The resulting loss of structural integrity led to the right wing making contact with the ground at approximately 15 km//h, which subsequently caused the propeller to strike the ground and the engine to stop abruptly. The pilot, who was flying solo, sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the aircraft's structural condition and maintenance history. Technical inspections of the wreckage revealed extensive damage to the fuselage, including the destruction of cabin floor bulkheads, seat rails, and door frames. The right wing also suffered significant damage, including a bent spar and deformed ribs.
Investigators focused on the failure of the right landing gear assembly. The inspection of the landing gear attachment area revealed that a previous repair to the right main gear bracket had utilized an uncertified replacement part, which had weakened the structural integrity of the bulkhead.