Right Main Gear Collapse on Cessna Aircraft

Casualties unknown • North Las Vegas, NV, US

Aircraft registration N12345 veered off runway after right main landing gear collapsed during touchdown due to a failed adjusting screw on the retraction linkage.

What happened

The aircraft's main landing gear collapsed during the initial phase of touchdown. Following the failure of the right main gear, the aircraft veered sharply to the right side of the runway. It eventually came to rest approximately 600 feet beyond the runway threshold and 90 feet northwest of the runway edge.

The investigation

An FAA inspector examined the wreckage and determined that an adjusting screw (part number 0841113-1) located on the retraction linkage had failed. This failure caused the right main gear to retract unexpectedly, which in turn sheared a bolt (part number NAS 46404-26) on the bellcrank assembly.

Findings

A Cessna representative noted that such a failure could result from general wear or misrigging of the components. The company that owned and operated the aircraft ceased flight operations approximately six months after this accident occurred.

Probable cause

Failure of an adjusting screw on the retraction linkage, which caused the right main gear to retract and shear a bolt on the bellcrank assembly.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-06-01 Cessna 401A accident near North Las Vegas, NV?

Aircraft registration N12345 veered off runway after right main landing gear collapsed during touchdown due to a failed adjusting screw on the retraction linkage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-06-01 involved a Cessna 401A, registration N6293Q, operated by Abba Industries Inc., at North Las Vegas, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of an adjusting screw on the retraction linkage, which caused the right main gear to retract and shear a bolt on the bellcrank assembly.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43391. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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