# NTSB FTW97LA076: Cessna 140A, N3799V, Albuquerque, NM, January 4, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 4, 1997, 13:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Albuquerque, NM
- Coordinates: 35.060852, -106.620506 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0609&lon=-106.6205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 25, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20138
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW97LA076
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20138/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA076

## Probable cause

The fracture of the right main landing gear for an undetermined reason.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - fractured (cause)

## Analysis

According to the pilot, during the landing roll following a 'normal landing,' the right main landing gear 'broke at [the] midpoint.'  The remaining piece of the landing gear then 'pulled out at the root.'  Examination of the landing gear by the owner 'showed a crack from the leading edge to the step bolt hole.'

## Factual narrative

On January 4, 1997, at 1300 mountain standard time, a Cessna 140A, N3799V, registered to and operated by a private owner, was substantially damaged when the right main landing gear collapsed during the landing roll at the Double Eagle II Airport near Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight.  A flight plan was not filed for the local flight that originated 15 minutes before the accident.

According to the pilot, during the landing roll following a "normal landing," the right main landing gear "broke at [the] midpoint."  The remaining piece of the landing gear then "pulled out at the root."  The right wing and fuselage sustained structural damage.  Examination of the landing gear by the owner "showed a crack from the leading edge to the step bolt hole."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3799V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3799V), registered now, S/N 15220 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 140A
- Registry model: [Cessna 140A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-140a) (registry code 2071604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15220
- Airframe hours: 4200
- Engines: Continental C-90 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Paul W. Werner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 18, 1996, 25 hours before
- Departed: 4AC, NM
- Destination: AEG
- Airport: AEG, Double Eagle II, runway 35, 6,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,308 total, 21 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19970104000409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970104000409A), Jan 4, 1997: Cessna 140A, Albuquerque, NM, Substantial damage. Right main landing gear strut broke during landing roll. Prior fatigue crack. (-23) right main landing gear leg failed upon landing and aircraft was…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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