Casualties unknown

Left Main Gear Collapse After Runway Excursion Following Loss of Braking and Steering (N752TA)

Marana, AZ, US

On March 24, 1982, a Boeing 707-123B (registration N752TA) operated by Tigerair, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Marana, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left main gear sidebrace due to a stress corrosion crack. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 707-123B
Photo: USAF / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

During landing roll, the aircraft veered right due to loss of left braking and nose wheel steering, exited the runway, and the left main gear collapsed. Investigation found a stress corrosion crack in the sidebrace.

Flight and Hydraulic Issues

During flight, a decrease in utility hydraulic fluid quantity was noted. The engine-driven pumps were shut off until just before landing. After extending the gear and flaps, the quantity indicated 3.5 gallons and all pressures were normal.

Landing Roll and Reverser Anomalies

After touchdown, the #1 reverser light was slow to illuminate. Reportedly, reverse thrust was delayed on the #1 and #4 engines until all reverser lights were on. The landing roll was reported as normal until the speed slowed to about 80 knots, then the airplane began veering right.

Loss of Control and Runway Excursion

The captain stated he had no left braking or nose wheel steering. The airplane continued off the runway and the left gear collapsed. After stopping, the fire bottles were used when smoke was observed from the #1 engine.

Post-Accident Findings

Left and right tire marks were found that were 1245 and 870 feet long, both with signs of intermittent intensity. The nose wheel steering and spoilers operated when the utility hydraulic system was first powered by the aux pump.

Mechanical Failure

A stress corrosion crack was found where the left main gear sidebrace had failed.

Probable cause

Failure of the left main gear sidebrace due to a stress corrosion crack.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02279. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.