August 16, Fillmore, Calif. / Cessna 185

At about 1100 Pacific time, a Cessna 185A was damaged while making a low approach to Santa Paula Airport and subsequently was further damaged while making a precautionary landing in a nearby dry riverbed. The pilot departed Fresno at about 0930, but encountered low clouds upon arriving at Santa Paula. He was making a climbing right turn to get out of the clouds when he heard a loud bang. He then discovered the right gear was missing. Because of the narrow runway at Santa Paula, he landed in a nearby riverbed, at which time the left gear leg struck a stump....

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A Cessna 185A was initially damaged during a low approach to Santa Paula Airport, losing its right landing gear after encountering low clouds and making a climbing turn.
  • The pilot then made a precautionary landing in a dry riverbed, where the aircraft sustained further damage when its left landing gear struck a stump.
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At about 1100 Pacific time, a Cessna 185A was damaged while making a low approach to Santa Paula Airport and subsequently was further damaged while making a precautionary landing in a nearby dry riverbed. The pilot departed Fresno at about 0930, but encountered low clouds upon arriving at Santa Paula. He was making a climbing right turn to get out of the clouds when he heard a loud bang. He then discovered the right gear was missing. Because of the narrow runway at Santa Paula, he landed in a nearby riverbed, at which time the left gear leg struck a stump.

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