Casualties unknown

1982-05-24: Cessna 404 (N88694) — Sunbird Airlines — Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC, US

On May 24, 1982, a Cessna 404 (registration N88694) operated by Sunbird Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Charlotte, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of a hydraulic line (part number 57-27100), which caused a loss of hydraulic pressure and prevented the landing gear from extending during takeoff. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced total loss of hydraulic pressure during the initial climb after takeoff. Attempts to lower the landing gear using both normal and manual systems failed, resulting in a gear-up landing.

What happened

The incident occurred during the takeoff phase of flight. Shortly after liftoff, the aircraft's landing gear was retracted as part of the standard climb-out procedure. At this point, the pilot lost hydraulic pressure. The sequence of events indicates that the failure happened while the gear was already up and the flaps were being retracted.

Upon realizing the loss of pressure, the pilot attempted to extend the landing gear using the normal hydraulic system. When this effort proved unsuccessful, the pilot engaged the manual extension system. Despite these efforts, the landing gear could not be deployed. Consequently, the pilot was forced to execute a landing with the gear retracted.

The investigation

Following the accident, an examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the root cause of the hydraulic failure. Inspectors identified that a specific hydraulic line had failed during operation. The component in question was identified by part number 57-27100. This mechanical failure prevented the hydraulic system from maintaining the necessary pressure to operate the landing gear mechanism.

Findings

The primary factor leading to the incident was the hydraulic line failure. This mechanical defect resulted in a complete loss of hydraulic pressure at a critical time during the flight. The inability to lower the landing gear, despite the use of both normal and manual extension systems, directly led to the gear up landing. No other contributing factors were identified in the provided narrative.

Safety message

This event highlights the importance of verifying hydraulic system integrity before flight. Pilots should be aware that failures in critical lines can occur without warning, necessitating immediate and correct application of emergency procedures.

Probable cause

The failure of a hydraulic line (part number 57-27100), which caused a loss of hydraulic pressure and prevented the landing gear from extending during takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02891. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.