As The Airplane Slowed, He Was Unable To Keep The Aircraft Under Directional Control

Location: San Luis Obispo, California Accident Number: ANC24LA036
Date & Time: May 17, 2024, 15:00 Local Registration: N1500D
Aircraft: Cessna 190 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane’s right main gear began to track under the fuselage. As the airplane slowed, he was unable to keep the aircraft under directional control. The airplane then ground-looped, substantially damaging the right wing. Metallurgical examination revealed the attachment bolts for the right main landing gear failed in downward and slightly aft bending. The two lower bolts fractured in overstress. The upper bolt was bent, and the nut was stripped. A side load on the right main landing gear wheel would have placed the axle in downward bending and drag forces during landing and roll out would have resulted in an aft loading component. The damage signatures observed were consistent with separation of the axle from the landing gear spring as a result of a ground loop.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a failure of the right main landing gear and subsequent ground loop.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov