Pilot Debrief

Piper PA 25 near Flat Rock, AL — 2018-06-30

Final reportERA18LA182
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Date
2018-06-30
Location
Flat Rock, AL, USA
Airport
4AL7
Aircraft
Piper PA 25
Registration
N6307Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The failure of the right landing gear during takeoff due to a fatigue failure, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting an agricultural application flight. During the takeoff roll and before becoming fully airborne, the right main landing gear (MLG) “snapped,” followed by the right wing dropping and striking the runway. As the right wing and propeller dug into the turf, the airplane spun, departed the runway, and subsequently impacted hay bales before coming to rest. The fuselage and right wing were substantially damaged. Examination of the right steel spring MLG revealed that it had broken off cleanly at the wheel and displayed features that were indicative of a fatigue failure. No maintenance records were available for examination, and the service history of the right MLG could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Inspection of the right MLG before takeoff could have identified the failure risk.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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