Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The collapsed nose gear as a result of failure of the nose gear locking mechanism.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 18, 1998, at 1715 central daylight time, a Bellanca 17-30A airplane, N4038B, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while landing near Shreveport, Louisiana. The airline transport rated pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The personal flight originated from the Nashville International Airport (BNA) at 1400 central daylight time.
The pilot reported that after a "normal approach" to runway 23 at the Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV), the aircraft pulled "sharply" to the right during the landing roll. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, struck a taxi sign and taxi light and came to rest in the upright position.
The pilot/owner reported that the right wing spar was damaged, and the nose gear "collapsed in reverse direction". He stated that personnel from a local maintenance facility inspected the aircraft after the accident. They reported that the down spring loaded rod assembly had failed, which allowed the nose gear to collapse.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW98LA280