Geared Up

Crew observed right main landing gear unsafe indication on extension at destination. Emergency gear extension procedures did not result in safe indication. After landing, right main gear collapsed as aircraft came to a stop. Significant damage was discovered to the right main gear actuator support structure.

Editorial Staff

Friday, March 20, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Multiple aircraft experienced various landing gear failures, including non-extension, non-retraction, and collapse upon landing, often resulting in significant structural damage.
Causes of these failures were diverse, encompassing structural integrity issues, hydraulic fluid depletion, mechanical breakdowns like fastener failures, and transmission or actuator malfunctions.
Several incidents highlighted underlying issues such as inaccessible components (e.g., hidden hydraulic reservoirs) or complex operational interactions (e.g., rudder input during retraction), even when systems were otherwise within factory tolerances.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Beechcraft Model C90A King Air
Failed Right Main Gear

Part total time: 5086.0 hours

Bellanca Model 17-30 Super Viking
Low Hydraulic Fluid

Nose landing gear would not deploy on landing; emergency extension system failed to extend and lock the assembly. Nose gear folded on landing, damaging the aircraft and its propeller. Found gear pump hydraulic fluid reservoir low. This item is under a floor panel and not normally inspected during preflight.

Part total time: Unknown

Cessna 402C
Retraction Failure

On retraction, gear unlock light remained illuminated. After several attempts to retract the gear, ground personnel confirmed the left main gear did not retract. Gear extended using emergency system; landing uneventful. Technicians could not duplicate condition; aircraft test-flown and returned to service.

Part total time: Unknown

Piper PA-24-250 Comanche 250
Failed Gear Transmission Mounting

No down-and-locked indication was observed, but ATC reported gear appeared to be down. On landing, gear collapsed. Inspection revealed aircraft weight on partially extended gear forced the transmission and motor assembly forward through the bulkhead (p/n 20601-06), breaking the channel assembly and bulkhead.

Part total time: Unknown

Piper PA-28-181 Archer II
Collapsed Right Main Landing Gear

On landing rollout, right main landing gear collapsed and folded under wing. Evidence indicates two lower outboard fasteners were broken or loose, allowing bolt holes in the wing spar and trunnion to become elongated. Also, a lateral attach bracket displayed fretting corrosion. No hard landings reported.

Part total time: 6812.0 hours

Piper PA-32R-301T Lance II
Jammed Nosegear Actuator

A loud bang was heard during retraction. Inspection revealed that if full rudder input was made during retract cycle, the nose landing gear alignment fitting would momentarily jam. This caused the actuator and its attachment bracket to damage the wheel well structure. Once rudder input was released, the gear fully retracted. The extend cycle worked normally. Rigging was within factory tolerances.

Part total time: 1162.0 hours