Probable cause
The failure of the weld that connects the left main landing gear and the axle during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, the experimental tailwheel-equipped airplane's left wing dropped. The pilot corrected with right aileron input and back pressure on the control yoke. However, the airplane veered off the runway, bounced, and then impacted the runway in a right-wing-low attitude. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over.
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the weld that connects the left main landing gear and the axle had failed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA552 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 21, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Franklin, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Venango Rgnl (FKL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built PIETENPOL AIR CAMPER
- N-number
- N40WH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1986
- 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.