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Left Main Gear Collapse Due to Pre-existing Crack in Drag Strut (N32717)

Austin, TX, US

On April 19, 1982, a Boeing 727-200 (registration N32717) operated by Continental Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stress corrosion cracking that likely initiated from previous damage to the outer surface of the strut cylinder resulting from a tire blowout incident on 3/10/82. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 16 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 727-200
Photo: Pete Macklin / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The left main gear collapsed and partially separated after a pre-existing crack in the drag strut assembly led to failure. The crack likely originated from damage during a tire blowout incident on March 10, 1982.

Incident Description

The left main gear collapsed and partially separated from the aircraft structure. Examination of the gear assembly revealed a failure in the drag strut assembly, part number 65-57903-11.

Examination Findings

Evidence of a pre-existing crack was found prior to the strut separation. The crack was identified as stress corrosion cracking, which probably initiated from previous damage to the outer surface of the strut cylinder. That damage resulted from a tire blowout incident that occurred on March 10, 1982.

Further Analysis

The investigation indicated that either a small crack or a group of cracks initiated in the strut at the time of the prior damage, or the damage was severe enough to disrupt the integrity of the surface finish and produce a notch and/or unfavorable residual stress. This made the strut susceptible to stress corrosion cracking in that area.

Probable cause

Stress corrosion cracking that likely initiated from previous damage to the outer surface of the strut cylinder resulting from a tire blowout incident on 3/10/82.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

More Boeing 727 safety records →

All Boeing 727-200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Apr 1982 Boeing 727-200 accident near Austin, TX?

The left main gear collapsed and partially separated after a pre-existing crack in the drag strut assembly led to failure. The crack likely originated from damage during a tire blowout incident on March 10, 1982.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Apr 1982 involved a Boeing 727-200, registration N32717, operated by Continental Airlines, Inc., at Austin, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Stress corrosion cracking that likely initiated from previous damage to the outer surface of the strut cylinder resulting from a tire blowout incident on 3/10/82.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02079. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.