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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 31, 2015 · Cessna A185F F · N186AZ

Miami, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Miami, FL
Aircraft
Cessna A185F F (1976)
Tail Number
N186AZ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA15LA372

The private pilot reported that, after a normal landing, during the landing roll about 25 knots, the left main landing gear wheel separated from its strut and the left wing contacted the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed that two of the four bolts that attached the left wheel axle assembly to the landing gear spring strut were fractured. Metallurgical examination of the fractured bolts revealed that, although they exhibited minor iron oxide (corrosion) film on the surface, all fracture features exhibited signatures of overstress separation consistent with a hard landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the left main landing gear wheel from its strut.

Full Narrative

On August 31, 2015, at 1852 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A185F, N186AZ, was substantially damaged during landing at Miami Executive Airport (TMB), Miami, Florida. The private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight that departed about 1600. The airplane was owned by IZ Air LLC and operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.The pilot reported that after departure he flew west of the airport, before returning with the intent of practicing an instrument landing system approach. The approach and landing were normal; however, during the rollout, at a speed of about 25 knots, the airplane "turned sharply to the left." The pilot attempted to "correct the turn to the right," but then observed the left main landing gear wheel assembly as it rolled ahead of the airplane, detached from the landing gear. He then noticed a "strong repeating blow" accompanied by a yawing moment, and the left wingtip contacted the ground. The airplane was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector who reported substantial damage to the left wing and aileron, and buckling of the left side forward fuselage aft of the main landing gear attach point. Two of the four bolts that attached the left wheel axle assembly to the landing gear spring strut were fractured. Portions of the fracture surfaces of both bolts were red/orange in color, similar to rust corrosion. The landing gear axle assembly, wheel, and bolt remnants were retained and sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory in Washington D.C., for further examination. Metallurgical examination of the left wheel axle assembly bolts revealed that they exhibited minor iron oxide (corrosion) film on the surface; however, all fracture features were consistent with overstress separation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:52 EDT
Nearest AirportMiami Executive (0nm N)
Runway09R
Runway Length6000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185F F
Tail NumberN186AZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D24B · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 48 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter0
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data