On February 11, 1984, a Beech 95-A55 (registration N9707Y) operated by Leonard Frishman was involved in an aviation accident near Opa Locka, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Corrosion damage at the attachment point of the spring that pulls the left main gear uplock out of the way when released, which caused the spring to disconnect and prevented the left main landing gear from extending. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft was landed with retracted gear after the left main landing gear failed to extend. Inspection revealed a disconnected spring caused by corrosion at the attachment point.
What happened
The aircraft was intentionally landed with the landing gear in the retracted position because the left main gear could not be extended during the approach. The pilot executed a gear-up landing, resulting in significant damage to the airframe and landing gear components.
The investigation
A detailed inspection of the aircraft was conducted following the incident. Investigators focused on the mechanical operation of the left main landing gear retraction system. The examination revealed that the spring responsible for pulling the left main gear uplock out of the way upon release had become disconnected from the uplock mechanism.
Findings
The disconnection of the spring was traced to corrosion damage at the metal attachment point. This corrosion prevented the spring from maintaining its connection, thereby inhibiting the proper release of the uplock and preventing the gear from extending. No other mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors.
Probable cause
Corrosion damage at the attachment point of the spring that pulls the left main gear uplock out of the way when released, which caused the spring to disconnect and prevented the left main landing gear from extending.
What happened in the 11 Feb 1984 Beech 95-A55 accident near Opa Locka, FL?
An aircraft was landed with retracted gear after the left main landing gear failed to extend. Inspection revealed a disconnected spring caused by corrosion at the attachment point.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Feb 1984 involved a Beech 95-A55, registration N9707Y, operated by Leonard Frishman, at Opa Locka, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Corrosion damage at the attachment point of the spring that pulls the left main gear uplock out of the way when released, which caused the spring to disconnect and prevented the left main landing gear from extending.
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