Cessna 340A Failed Nose Gear Linkage Selecting the landing gear “down” produced an unsafe nose gear indication. Manual gear extension proved unsuccessful. The nose landing gear collapsed upon landing. Inspection revealed the nose landing gear linkage adjusting fork (p/n 5045211-2) had fractured, preventing extension of the nose landing gear to a down and locked position. Evidence suggests this fracture was progressive in nature, and some 288 degradation to the components structure existed prior to failure. Part Total Time: (unknown). Cessna 208B Failed Fuel Pump During an inspection, the fuel pump was rejected in accordance with a Pratt & Whitney service bulletin. An overhauled pump was installed, but failed operational checks. This pump was replaced with a second overhauled pump, which also failed operational checks. A third pump was installed, which passed an operational check. Including the original, Sundstrand manufactured all four pumps (p/n 025323-150). The first two pumps were overhauled by a California company; a company in Texas overhauled the third functional pump. Part Total Time: 0.0 hours. Cirrus SR20 Cracked Nose Gear Strut The nosewheel pant was reported damaged after landing. Inspection revealed the upper left arm on the nose strut (p/n 11907-005) was seriously cracked. This crack ran from the top of the arm (just forward of the strut data plate) through the entire arm, and stopped at the bottom where a gusset was welded. This crack continued to run parallel to the gusset for approximately 0.50 inches. The nose wheel stop and nose fork also were damaged. Part Total Time: 515.0 hours. Cirrus SR22 Failed Roll-Trim Actuator The roll-trim actuator malfunctioned on three occasions since purchasing the aircraft new in 2002. In each case, the wires leading to the electric motor had come loose, causing the trim actuator to hold full left aileron. Part Total Time: 300.0 hours. Mooney M20C Seized Fuel Selector Valve The fuel selector valve (p/n 3610021) seized in the “off” position. The failure was caused by corrosion on the selector valve shaft where it passes through the upper valve housing. No provision is made to prevent spilled liquids or carpet-saturated moisture from entering the upper housing valve shaft bore. Part Total Time: (unknown).
Twin And Turbine Troubles
Selecting the landing gear "down" produced an unsafe nose gear indication. Manual gear extension proved unsuccessful. The nose landing gear collapsed upon landing. Inspection revealed the nose landing gear linkage adjusting fork (p/n 5045211-2) had fractured, preventing extension of the nose landing gear to a down and locked position. Evidence suggests this fracture was progressive in nature, and some degradation to the components structure existed prior to failure.
Key Takeaways:
- Multiple aircraft experienced significant landing gear failures, including a fractured nose gear linkage in a Cessna 340A leading to collapse, and a seriously cracked nose gear strut on a Cirrus SR20.
- A Cessna 208B faced repeated failures with newly installed overhauled fuel pumps from a single source, suggesting potential quality control issues with overhauled components.
- A Mooney M20C's fuel selector valve seized due to corrosion, attributed to a design flaw allowing moisture ingress.
- A Cirrus SR22 experienced recurring roll-trim actuator malfunctions caused by loose wiring, resulting in uncommanded control inputs.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
