Probable cause
A fracture and collapse of the main landing gear. Contributing to the accident was corrosion to the hydrasorb lug fitting.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing the airplane on a gravel runway when the right main landing gear collapsed; subsequently, both wings struck the ground. A postaccident examination revealed that the outer radius of the attaching lug on the extension tube that connected the wheel axle to the left main landing gear shock unit was fractured at the shock unit attachment. Visual examination of the fractured lug fitting revealed a flat fracture surface that was perpendicular to the long axis of the fitting, which had extensive evidence of rust and pitting throughout the circumference of the fitting.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC17LA022 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 30, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chugiak, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Birchwood (PABV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18-150
- N-number
- N82563
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.