Probable cause
A main landing gear collapse during the landing roll due to fatigue cracking and corrosion of the strut.
NTSB analysis
The certificated flight instructor (CFI) stated that, during the instructional flight, the pilot receiving instruction was practicing three-point landings in preparation for his tailwheel endorsement. The first landing was harder than normal due to a higher-than-normal sink rate. During the next landing attempt, the airplane yawed to the left. The CFI took over the airplane controls and corrected toward the runway centerline. While correcting, he heard a loud snapping noise followed by a loud scraping noise and felt the airplane make a sudden left turn. Postaccident examination revealed that the left landing gear strut fractured at the inboard end. Examination of the landing gear fracture surface by an NTSB materials laboratory metallurgist revealed evidence of fatigue cracking, an overstress fracture, and corrosion damage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA221 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 30, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Minden, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Minden-Tahoe Airport (KMEV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170A
- N-number
- N5765C
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.