Probable cause
Failure of the left main landing gear strut during the landing roll due to a preexisting crack.
NTSB analysis
During the landing roll on the grass airstrip, the nose of the airplane began to drop, and the pilot confirmed that he was not applying excessive brake pressure. The nose continued to descend, then the airplane dropped back onto the tailwheel and onto its left wing. Examination revealed that the left main landing gear aft strut failed, and signatures consistent with a preexisting crack in the aft landing gear strut at the axle knuckle were observed. The area of failure was obscured by fabric covering material, thereby limiting the pilot’s ability to observe the crack during a preflight check.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA370 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 24, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Biddle, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Mader Ranch Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J5A
- N-number
- N38AW
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.