Probable cause
Corrosion of the bulkhead assembly in the left main landing gearbox area, which resulted in the structural failure of the bulkhead and the subsequent landing gear collapse.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, shortly after a normal touchdown, the left main landing gear (MLG) collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the gearbox area. Review of videos from three surveillance cameras with different views of the landing corroborated the pilot's report that the landing was normal. Examination of the airplane revealed evidence of corrosion of the left MLG bulkhead assembly in the damaged gearbox area. The corrosion likely weakened the bulkhead's structure and resulted in the collapse of the left MLG.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14LA134 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 7, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Luis Obispo, California
- Nearest airport
- San Luis Obispo (KSBP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170B
- N-number
- N2252D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1952
- 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.