Probable cause
The failure of the right landing gear during takeoff due to a fatigue failure, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was conducting an agricultural application flight. During the takeoff roll and before becoming fully airborne, the right main landing gear (MLG) “snapped,” followed by the right wing dropping and striking the runway. As the right wing and propeller dug into the turf, the airplane spun, departed the runway, and subsequently impacted hay bales before coming to rest. The fuselage and right wing were substantially damaged. Examination of the right steel spring MLG revealed that it had broken off cleanly at the wheel and displayed features that were indicative of a fatigue failure. No maintenance records were available for examination, and the service history of the right MLG could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA18LA182 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Flat Rock, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Leon'S Landing Airport (4AL7)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 25
- N-number
- N6307Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1960
- 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.