Cessna 120 — Maintenance Manual

This document is an AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) bulletin detailing an incident involving a Cessna 120 aircraft, specifically registration G-BRJC. The bulletin provides an analysis of the accident that occurred on September 20, 2003, during a private flight. It highlights the circumstances leading to the accident, including the pilot's approach and landing, as well as the subsequent examination of the aircraft's landing gear. The report emphasizes the importance of maintenance and inspection of critical components, particularly the landing gear, which was found to have significant corrosion and fatigue issues. The document serves as a reference for pilots and maintenance personnel regarding the potential failure modes of landing gear in older aircraft models like the Cessna 120.

• The Cessna 120 involved in the incident was manufactured in 1946 and had a total service life of 57 years at the time of the accident.
• The accident occurred during a private flight on September 20, 2003, due to a misjudged landing approach.
• The right landing gear leg fractured due to fatigue and corrosion, highlighting the importance of regular inspections.
• Previous service letters from the manufacturer advised inspections of the landing gear leg due to known failure modes.
• The aircraft's landing gear design is sensitive to damage, necessitating careful maintenance.