Probable cause
The improper reinstallation of the right main landing gear by maintenance personnel which resulted in the separation of the landing gear and the subsequent abnormal runway contact during the landing.
NTSB analysis
During the final approach for the short cross country flight, the pilot heard a "thud." During the landing flare the pilot suspected a landing gear issue and landed as gently as possible. However, the right wing settled onto the runway and was substantially damaged. A postaccident examination revealed that the landing gear had not been reinstalled correctly during maintenance performed in 2013. Only one of the 8 fasteners required for installation was recovered and it was sheered. The damage to the wing and landing gear was consistent with the improper installation of the fasteners and was not impact related. It is likely that the fasteners were either not installed or not torqued properly during the previous maintenance. Subsequent annual and 100-hour inspections did not detect this discrepancy.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA112 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 26, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Mackinac Island Airport (KMCD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28
- N-number
- N1722J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.