Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-22-160 near Homer, AK — 2025-08-19

Final reportANC25LA087
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Date
2025-08-19
Location
Homer, AK, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-22-160
Registration
N9314D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The failure of the left main landing gear mount due to extensive corrosion while landing in an area of rough terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane at a remote airstrip, the airplane encountered an area of rough and uneven terrain and the main landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to both wing lift struts and the fuselage near the left main landing gear mount. After exiting the airplane, the pilot observed that the left main gear had fractured at the fuselage attach point. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Photos of the fracture surfaces from the main landing gear spring and fuselage attach point exhibited features that were consistent with extensive corrosion. It is likely that a fatigue crack initiated due to the corrosion damage at the fracture origin.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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