Probable cause
The failure of the weld on the airplane’s left main landing gear axle support strut during landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot in the experimental, amateur-built airplane, during landing, the airplane bounced, and the pilot added power. The airplane landed on the runway, but the left side of the airplane "dropped" to the ground. The airplane exited the left side of the runway where it came to rest.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer.
The Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector that examined the airplane reported that the weld on the left main landing gear axle support strut had failed with some signs of overload.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA203 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 6, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Caldwell, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Caldwell Industrial (EUL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV 4
- N-number
- N66PB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1995
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.