CAMARILLO, CA, USA
N757EL
CESSNA 152
AFTER LANDING, THE STUDENT PILOT APPLIED POWER TO INITIATE A TAKEOFF. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE LEFT MAIN GEAR STRUT BROKE OFF AT THE WHEEL BASE CAUSING THE AIRPLANE TO ENTER A GROUND LOOP. EXAMINATION OF THE FRACTURE SURFACE REVEALED EXTENSIVE RUST AND EVIDENCE OF A PREEXISTING FATIGUE CRACK.
On August 10, 1995, at 1305 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 152, N757EL, exited the left side of runway 26 during the takeoff ground roll at Camarillo Airport, Camarillo, California. The airplane then collided with an airport sign and runway light. The solo student pilot was conducting a local visual flight rules instructional flight. The airplane, registered to a private individual and operated by Anacapa View Flying Club, Camarillo, sustained substantial damage. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at the airport at 1250 hours. In a written statement, translated by another individual, the student pilot said she was doing a touch-and-go landing and takeoff. After the initial landing, the airplane was to the right of the centerline. The student pilot applied left rudder to realign the airplane while simultaneously adding power for takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the left wing suddenly dropped to the runway and the airplane started to turn to the left. The student pilot was unable to arrest the turn. The operator reported that the left main landing gear strut broke off at the wheel base. The fracture surface displayed extensive rust and a preexisting fatigue crack. He also said that there were no skid marks on the runway or any indication of abnormal wear on the tires.
The failure of the landing gear strut due to fatigue.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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