Probable cause
Fatigue cracking and failure of the left wheel strut mount resulting in collapse of the left main landing gear during taxi.
NTSB analysis
After performing three touch-and-go landings on a frozen lake, the pilot set up for a full stop landing on the plowed surface of the frozen lake. After a smooth landing, and while taxiing to park, the left wheel strut collapsed. The airplane tipped over onto its left side, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing spar. Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed evidence of fatigue cracking on the failed portion of the left wheel strut mount. The airplane had been flown about 50-75 hours after its last annual inspection with no problems noted by the owner. The pilot stated that he lands on frozen lakes frequently and that the collapse of the landing gear was unexpected.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA187 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 2, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Oshkosh, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Oshkosh (OSH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7GCAA
- N-number
- N9691S
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.