During Takeoff After The Second Landing, (The CFI) Heard An Unusual Noise In The Cockpit

Location: Pellston, MI Accident Number: CEN23LA217
Date & Time: June 1, 2023, 11:55 Local Registration: N4376H
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-181 Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On June 1, 2023, about 1155 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181 airplane, N4376H, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Pellston, Michigan. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The flight instructor reported he and the student pilot had completed two non-eventful touch and go landings, and during takeoff after the second landing, heard an unusual noise in the cockpit. Initially they thought the noise was coming from the engine, so they planned for a precautionary landing back to the runway. During the approach, the airport manager observed the left main landing gear wheel assembly was hanging from the landing gear strut and advised the flight instructor via radio not to land. The flight instructor then diverted to another airport due to the availability of increased airport fire and rescue services.

The airplane landed on the runway centerline with the partially separated left main landing gear assembly and sustained substantial damage to the left wing. Postaccident examination revealed the landing gear strut housing was fractured at the upper torque link connection. The wheel assembly remained attached via the brake line hose. The airplane and strut housing were retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov