Probable cause
The failure of the right main gear strut due to an improper weld repair by maintenance personnel.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during landing the right main gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded off the runway to the right. Examination of the airplane found the right main gear failed at an improper weld repair on the main strut. A review of the Landing Gear Repair Manual 4-102, Page 4-73, AC 43.13-1B, showed that the repair of the landing gear should include the use of a two-piece reinforcement sleeve made of the same material and at least the same gauge as the damaged tube. The repair made on the main strut had neither, with a single bead of weld across a crack in the strut.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA480 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 10, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Donalsonville, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip (NONE)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres Corporation S2R-T34
- N-number
- N2292E
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.