N87787

Substantial
None

Taylorcraft DCO-65S/N: L5485

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, June 28, 2008
NTSB Number
DFW08CA172
Location
Somerset, TX
Event ID
20080725X01114
Coordinates
29.360277, -98.915832
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The right main landing gear strut failure due to metal fatigue.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
TAYLORCRAFT
Serial Number
L5485
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1943
Model / ICAO
DCO-65TAYD
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
DCO-65

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
ALAMO LIAISON GROUP DBA
Address
2352 S LOOP 1604 W
City
SAN ANTONIO
State / Zip Code
TX 78264-3719
Country
United States

Analysis

The airline transport rated pilot made a successful landing to runway 13 on a turf airstrip. During the landing roll, at about 30 miles per hour, the passenger stated that he heard a "loud pop" and the aircraft came to a complete stop. A Federal Aviation Inspector on scene noted the right main landing gear strut had failed. The failure was consistent with corrosion and subsequent metal fatigue. Substantial damage was determined to the right wing strut, rudder, tail wheel assembly, right main landing gear and the propeller. Both the pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane unassisted and uninjured. Winds were reported at the time of the accident to be from 140 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW08CA172