Probable cause
The fatigue failure of the axle's attaching bolts during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he had a normal stabilized descent on his approach to land and flared about 50 feet above the runway before making a three-point touchdown. He said that during the roll the airplane tracked to the right and that he applied left rudder in response. He then heard a "bang" and the airplane moved abruptly and uncontrollably. The left wing and horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage when they contacted the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left wheel and axle separated from its main landing gear. Two of the four bolts that attach the axle to the gear exhibited a separation consistent with fatigue.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA358 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 26, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cahokia, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- St Louis Downtown Airport (CPS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180K
- N-number
- N2785K
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.