Probable cause
Failure of the gear strut mount nut due to wear.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot stated that, during takeoff from a turf runway, the left main landing gear collapsed but did not separate from the airplane; the pilot continued the takeoff. During the subsequent landing, the airplane touched down, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. Examination revealed that the left main landing gear strut mount nut was stripped, consistent with wear, and the bolt was missing. The airplane was manufactured in 1942, and there was no required inspection for the gear strut mount. The most recent inspection was completed about 38 flight hours before the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA255 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rhinebeck, New York
- Nearest airport
- Old Rhinebeck (NY94)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Fleet FLEET 16B
- N-number
- N666J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1942
- 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.