Investigation number
198701430
Occurrence date
Location
Swan Hill
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The student was being instructed in crosswind techniques, and several circuits and landings had been completed without incident. On the final circuit a normal approach and touchdown were made, but during the landing roll the right wing lowered and the aircraft swung through 90 degrees. Initial inspection found that the lower torque link bolt on the right gear had failed, allowing the wheel assembly to detach. Engineering investigation revealed that the torque link bolt was of defective manufacture in that stress raisers existed near the thread root. This condition resulted in a slow progressive fatigue fracture originating from the stress raisers. There is no inspection requirement for this bolt and the defect is considered an isolated case.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-28
Registration
VH-PBR
Operation type
Flying Training
Departure point
Swan Hill VIC
Departure time
1010
Destination
Swan Hill VIC
Damage
Substantial