Cracks And Corrosion

The pilot reported a loud "pop" just before entering the pattern. When he extended the gear, the green "gear down" light would not come on. A fly-by revealed the left main gear was in transit. A gear-up landing ensued. Inspection revealed the left main gear actuator (p/n 9882015-2) housing was cracked across the forward attach bolt hole. The cracked housing allowed the piston rack to jump gears on the pinion gear attached to the main gear leg. This area is inspected each 100 hours for cracks and defects very carefully, (using) lights and inspection mirrors. Time since last inspection: 25.0 hours.

Editorial Staff

Monday, November 24, 2008 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Several aircraft models experienced critical mechanical failures, including a cracked main landing gear actuator leading to a gear-up landing, a broken magneto impulse coupling spring, and a failed landing gear downlock during rollout.
Corrosion was a significant factor in multiple incidents, affecting control yokes, magneto impulse coupling springs, and flap hinges, with some components nearing catastrophic failure.
These incidents highlight the importance of thorough inspections and compliance with service bulletins and proposed Airworthiness Directives to address known structural and component weaknesses.

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Cessna 172RG

Cracked Main Gear Actuator

The pilot reported a loud “pop” just before entering the pattern. When he extended the gear, the green “gear down” light would not come on. A fly-by revealed the left main gear was in transit. A gear-up landing ensued. Inspection revealed the left main gear actuator (p/n 9882015-2) housing was cracked across the forward attach bolt hole. The cracked housing allowed the piston rack to jump gears on the pinion gear attached to the main gear leg. This area is inspected each 100 hours for cracks and defects very carefully, (using) lights and inspection mirrors. Time since last inspection: 25.0 hours.

Part Total Time: 6917.0 hours.

Cessna 172/180/185 (all models)

Control Yoke Corrosion

The FAA recently proposed an Airworthiness Directive mandating compliance with Cessna SEB01-3R1, regarding control yoke internal corrosion. The recommendation was issued after reported failure of a control yoke discovered while complying with