Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 180H near Seward, AK — 2014-07-14

Final reportANC14LA054
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Date
2014-07-14
Location
Seward, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 180H
Registration
N9083M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s execution of a hard uncoordinated landing, which resulted in the overstress fracture of the right main landing gear (MLG) axle attachment bolts and the subsequent separation of the of the right MLG axle.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a remote tidal beach. The pilot reported that, upon touchdown, the airplane bounced slightly before settling on the right main landing gear (MLG). In an effort to correct for the right-wing-low landing, the pilot applied left aileron, but the right wing continued to descend. The right MLG wheel axle separated from the gear leg, and the airplane slid along the beach, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. Examination of the four right MLG attachment bolts revealed features consistent with an overload on the MLG axle. Therefore, it is likely the pilot executed a hard uncoordinated landing, which resulted in the separation of the right MLG axle upon landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing after initial bounce.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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