Pilot Debrief

FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTSW near Gettysburg, PA — 2009-09-13

Final reportERA09LA540
Sign in to save
Date
2009-09-13
Location
Gettysburg, PA, USA
Airport
W05
Aircraft
FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTSW
Registration
N466CT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The failure of the left main wheel attachment fitting due to overstress.

NTSB narrative

During landing, the right main landing gear touched first, followed by the left main gear which was accompanied by an audible “thump.” The left main gear collapsed and the airplane veered off the edge of the runway. The left main landing gear attachment fitting was examined at the NTSB materials laboratory and no preexisting fractures were noted. The steel fitting was constructed from tubing and bar stock, and was powder-coated after fabrication. Examination revealed that the fitting failed due to overstress midway along the angled tube portion and that the fractures were consistent with bending loads experienced during landing and taxiing. The examination further revealed that the wall thickness was less than the manufacturer's specifications, and that the interior of the angled tube had been counter-bored prior to the powered coating and final assembly at the factory. Review of the NTSB database revealed that there were two additional accidents that occurred with identical damage incurred; in all instances, the parts failed from an overstress fracture that initiated in approximately the same location.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a go-around instead of landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps