Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the left main landing gear wheel from its strut.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that, after a normal landing, during the landing roll about 25 knots, the left main landing gear wheel separated from its strut and the left wing contacted the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed that two of the four bolts that attached the left wheel axle assembly to the landing gear spring strut were fractured. Metallurgical examination of the fractured bolts revealed that, although they exhibited minor iron oxide (corrosion) film on the surface, all fracture features exhibited signatures of overstress separation consistent with a hard landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA372 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 31, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Miami, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Miami Executive (TMB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185F
- N-number
- N186AZ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.