Probable cause
The failure of the right main landing gear assembly due to overstress fracture.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that the landing was "normal" but that, during the landing roll, he noticed that the experimental, amateur-built airplane started veering to the left. Shortly thereafter, the right wing suddenly dropped and impacted the runway. He was unable to maintain directional control of the airplane, and it veered off the runway because the right main landing gear (MLG) had collapsed.
Postaccident examination of the right MLG assembly revealed that the right main tire and wheel had separated from the airplane and that a strut had separated about midpoint. Examination of the fracture features of the right MLG assembly revealed that they exhibited matte-gray features on slant angles, consistent with a ductile overstress fracture. No evidence of preexisting cracks or significant corrosion was observed. The right MLG assembly likely failed due to a hard landing and/or side loading on the MLG.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR16LA117 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Minden, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Minden-Tahoe (MEV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SPECIAL
- N-number
- N4393H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2009
- 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.