On September 30, 1982, a Piper PA31-350 (registration N61366) operated by Southcentral Air Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A stainless steel flexible line enclosed in a protective rubber casing was chafed by a bolt in the nose gear scissors assembly, and its exterior mesh was rusted through, causing the line to burst and the nosewheel to retract. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commuter flight from Kenai to Anchorage returned to Kenai after a nose gear downlock indication problem; upon landing, the nosewheel retracted. Investigation found a chafed and rusted hydraulic line.
Incident Summary
A commuter flight departed Kenai, Alaska, with a destination of Anchorage. During the approach, the pilot stated that he could not obtain a positive gear down and locked indication for the nose gear. Due to weather conditions at Anchorage, the pilot decided to return to Kenai Airport. Upon landing, the nosewheel retracted.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the nose gear revealed that a stainless steel flexible line, enclosed in a protective rubber casing, had been chafed by a bolt in the nose gear scissors assembly. The stainless steel exterior mesh was rusted through and no longer provided support to the internal pressure line, thereby allowing the line to burst. This failure resulted in the loss of hydraulic pressure necessary to maintain the nose gear in the down and locked position.
Probable cause
A stainless steel flexible line enclosed in a protective rubber casing was chafed by a bolt in the nose gear scissors assembly, and its exterior mesh was rusted through, causing the line to burst and the nosewheel to retract.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Sept 1982 Piper PA31-350 accident near Kenai, AK?
A commuter flight from Kenai to Anchorage returned to Kenai after a nose gear downlock indication problem; upon landing, the nosewheel retracted. Investigation found a chafed and rusted hydraulic line.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Sept 1982 involved a Piper PA31-350, registration N61366, operated by Southcentral Air Inc., at Kenai, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A stainless steel flexible line enclosed in a protective rubber casing was chafed by a bolt in the nose gear scissors assembly, and its exterior mesh was rusted through, causing the line to burst and the nosewheel to retract.
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