Probable cause
The fatigue fracture failure of the left main landing gear U-bolt during landing, which resulted in the collapse and separation of the left main landing gear spring.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after a normal touchdown in crosswind conditions, the left main landing gear (MLG) began to shake and rattle. The shaking continued and became more severe as the airplane continued its landing roll, and the airplane subsequently began to veer to the left and exited the runway. As the airplane came to rest, the MLG spring separated from the fuselage, resulting in substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
A postaccident examination of the left MLG spring attach hardware fractured surfaces revealed that the left MLG U-bolt failed due to fatigue cracking and the MLG support bolt fractured within the shank due to shear loads.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC20LA098 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 21, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- King Salmon, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- King Salmon (PAKN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N182KT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1960
- 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.