Investigation number
199200196
Occurrence date
State
Victoria
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence type
Diversion/return
Occurrence category
Incident

While conducting a pleasure flight the aircraft right rear landing wire failed. The pilot returned to TYABB and landed normally. The landing wire examination found that the wire failed in fatigue initiating from two subsurface defects in approximately the middle of the wire length. A sample taken some 40 mm from the fracture surface contained intermetallic stringers reducing the integrity of the material. Size of the stringers was consistent with the size of the subsurface defects. The analysis indentified the stringers to be an aluminium based intermetallic, possibly from the refractory material used in production of the material. The material composition and microstructure was typical of a drawn and rolled 316 stainless steel. The manufacturer advised the wire was made of 316S16 steel.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
de Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd
Model
DH-82A
Registration
VH-DFJ
Sector
Piston
Departure point
TYABB, VIC
Destination
POINT COOK, VIC
Damage
Minor