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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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September 13, 1997 · Cessna 411 · N12WT

Williston, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 13, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Williston, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 411
Tail Number
N12WT
Operator
Neal Fisher Builders
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA97LA253

While attempting a 130-degree change in direction to the right off the runway while travelling, according to witnesses, 'a little fast', the left main landing gear collapsed. Examination of the left main landing gear revealed that the side brace lock bolt was failed. Metallurgical examination of the failed bolt revealed that it failed due to shear. Hardness tests indicate that it was within limits. The bolt had been installed 3.0 hours earlier during the last annual inspection.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot-in-command's excessive taxi speed.

Full Narrative

On September 13, 1997, about 1640 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 411, registered to a private individual, experienced a collapse of the left main landing gear while taxiing off the runway at the Williston Municipal Airport, Williston, Florida. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated about 10 minutes earlier form the Ocala Regional/Jim Taylor Field Airport, Ocala, Florida. The pilot stated that after landing on runway 22 while attempting to turn off the runway onto taxiway A, the left main landing gear collapsed. According to a private pilot-rated witness, the airplane was traveling "a little fast" when the pilot attempted to turn onto the taxiway. Review of the airport layout revealed an approximate 130-degree change in direction to the right from the runway centerline to the centerline of Taxiway A. The damage was initially reported the day of the occurrence as minor; however, a subsequent detailed inspection revealed spar damage to the left wing. Postaccident examination of the left main landing gear revealed that the side brace lock attaching bolt Part No. AN25-38A, was failed. Metallurgical examination of the failed bolt revealed that it failed due to shear. No evidence of preexisting cracks or corrosion was noted. Hardness tests were performed at three portions on the grip portion of the bolt which revealed values of 28.8, 28.9 and 30.0 RH C respectively. Review of the Military Handbook Identification Markings For Fasteners, Bolts, Screws, Studs, Nuts, and Rivets, revealed that based on the bolt head configuration and markings, the specified RH: C values are between 26-32. Review of the maintenance records revealed that the bolt had been replaced at the last annual inspection which was accomplished on September 1, 1997. The airplane had accumulated 3.0 hours since the inspection at the time of the failure. The airplane minus the retained hardware was released to Mr. Dave Lucas of Dave Lucas International on December 11, 1997. The retained hardware was also released to Mr. Lucas on December 19, 1997.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 EDT
Nearest AirportWilliston Municipal (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length5050 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 411
Tail NumberN12WT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNeal Fisher Builders
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · GTSIO-520-C · Reciprocating · 340
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data