Probable cause
Failure of the right main landing gear attachment bolt and hold-down nut, resulting in the right main landing gear collapsing.
NTSB analysis
While performing a touch-and-go, the pilot stated that he was applying power for his go-around when the right wing started “dropping” and the airplane ground looped, coming to a stop facing west. The pilot commented that he looked straight ahead and saw his right main landing gear laying on the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the main landing gear mounting plate, lower wing strut attach fitting, and surrounding structure.
Postaccident inspection revealed that the right inboard mounting bolt and the right outboard forward landing gear strut attachment bracket bolt hold-down nut failed. Subsequently, the hold-down bracket bent, and the right main landing gear separated from the fuselage upon landing..
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA054 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 17, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Plant City, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Plant City (PCM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built BAKENG DUCE
- N-number
- N72WJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1988
- 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.