Casualties unknown

Left Main Landing Gear Collapse Leads to Runway Excursion During Landing (N11JR)

Lompoc, CA, US

On January 26, 1983, a Cessna 401 (registration N11JR) was involved in an aviation accident near Lompoc, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left main landing gear strut bellcrank attach flange forging due to tensile overload and fracture of the connecting bolt by tensile shear. 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

During landing, an air taxi aircraft veered off the left side of the runway after the left main landing gear collapsed. Post-incident examination revealed fractures in the strut bellcrank attach flange forging and connecting bolt.

Incident Summary

An air taxi flight experienced a runway excursion during landing when the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to depart the left side of the runway. A passenger on board confirmed that all three landing gear green indicator lights were illuminated, indicating that the landing gear was down and locked prior to touchdown.

Examination Findings

Upon inspection of the left main gear wheel well area, investigators recovered the left strut bellcrank attach flange forging and its connecting bolt, part number 464P4-26. Both components were found to be fractured. The strut forging exhibited a tensile overload failure, while the connecting bolt failed in tensile shear.

Conclusion

The mechanical failure of the left main landing gear components led to the collapse of the gear during the landing rollout, resulting in the aircraft veering off the runway. No further causal factors were identified in the source material.

Probable cause

Failure of the left main landing gear strut bellcrank attach flange forging due to tensile overload and fracture of the connecting bolt by tensile shear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42014. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.