N6473A

On July 15, 2000, about 1030 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182, N6473A, registered to the owner of Snohomish Parachute Center as a 14 CFR Part 91 parachute drop operation, broke the right main landing gear leg while taxiing for takeoff at Harvey Field, Snohomish, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot and her four passengers (parachutists) were not injured.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that she taxied the aircraft to the run-up area in preparation for takeoff on runway 32. The run-up area is grass covered. As the aircraft moved over the grass, a "snapping" sound was heard and the aircraft "tilted back and to the right." The pilot shut the engine down and the occupants exited the aircraft.

Upon inspection of the aircraft, it was found that the right side main landing gear leg broke and penetrated the cabin wall. The right wing and right side horizontal stabilizer subsequently contacted the ground.

The owner of the aircraft reported that in order to move the aircraft off of the run-up area, the gear leg was welded back into place. This was done prior to notification of the accident, and before National Transportation Safety Board or Federal Aviation Administration inspection to determine the failure mode.

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Seattle, Washington, Flight Standards District Office, inspected the aircraft and reported that p/n: 0741009-4 - right landing gear spring failed at the mating area of p/n: 0541121-2 - landing gear outside support, located inside the aircraft fuselage.