Probable cause
The right main landing gear strut failure due to metal fatigue.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport rated pilot made a successful landing to runway 13 on a turf airstrip. During the landing roll, at about 30 miles per hour, the passenger stated that he heard a "loud pop" and the aircraft came to a complete stop. A Federal Aviation Inspector on scene noted the right main landing gear strut had failed. The failure was consistent with corrosion and subsequent metal fatigue. Substantial damage was determined to the right wing strut, rudder, tail wheel assembly, right main landing gear and the propeller. Both the pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane unassisted and uninjured. Winds were reported at the time of the accident to be from 140 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA172 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 28, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Somerset, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Cannon Filed (53TX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Taylorcraft DCO-65
- N-number
- N87787
- 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.