Casualties unknown

1982-09-24: Cessna 421A (N2231Q) — Guy E. Counselman — Sabetha, KS

Sabetha, KS, US

On September 24, 1982, a Cessna 421A (registration N2231Q) operated by Guy E. Counselman was involved in an aviation accident near Sabetha, KS. 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

Aircraft landing gear collapsed after unsafe indication during landing roll; bolt and bellcrank clevis found sheared with no evidence of prior damage or hard landing.

Incident Overview

During the landing roll, after approximately 1,000 feet of ground travel, the pilot received an unsafe gear indication. Subsequently, the left wing began to settle, and the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to swerve left and depart the runway.

Landing Gear Indications

The pilot reported that the landing gear indicated down and locked prior to touchdown and during the initial portion of the landing roll. The unsafe indication appeared after about 1,000 feet of roll.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the landing gear revealed that the bolt (part number NAS464P4-26) attaching the bellcrank (part number 5041001-1) to the strut was sheared. Additionally, one side of the clevis at the lower end of the bellcrank was also broken. Investigators noted that both components could be associated with overload conditions induced during the gear collapse, and neither showed evidence of pre-existing damage.

Further inspection found no indication of a hard landing. The landing gear components appeared to have adequate lubrication. However, due to impact damage sustained during the event, the rigging of the retraction linkage prior to the accident could not be determined.

Findings

  • The landing gear initially indicated down and locked.
  • The left gear collapsed after an unsafe indication.
  • A bolt and bellcrank clevis were sheared, consistent with overload from the collapse.
  • No prior damage or hard landing evidence was present.
  • Lubrication was adequate.
  • Pre-accident retraction linkage rigging could not be assessed due to impact damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04965. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.