What happened
During the rollout phase of a landing operation, the pilot allowed the aircraft to continue moving along the active runway toward the intersection with Runway 23, intending to exit there. Upon reaching this junction, the right main landing gear unexpectedly retracted or collapsed. This sudden failure caused the aircraft to skid laterally to the right side of the runway surface.
The pilot reported that the aircraft eventually came to a complete stop while still positioned within the intersection area. Shortly after the initial incident, the left main landing gear also collapsed, leaving the aircraft unsupported on its fuselage. No further movement occurred after this second failure.
The investigation
Following the incident, maintenance personnel placed the aircraft on jacks to facilitate a thorough examination of the landing gear system. Technicians pumped the landing gear down manually to test its operation and inspect for internal faults.
The mechanical inspection revealed no evidence of inherent structural defects or hydraulic failures within the gear mechanism itself. However, investigators discovered sand accumulation in the hinge area of the landing gear assembly. Analysis indicated that this foreign object debris was significant enough to obstruct the normal locking mechanism.
Findings
The presence of sand in the critical hinge components prevented the landing gear from properly locking into the down position. This obstruction allowed the gear to retract under load during the rollout, leading to the collapse and subsequent skidding. The lack of mechanical failure elsewhere suggests that environmental contamination was the primary factor in the loss of gear integrity.
Safety message
Regular inspection and cleaning of landing gear hinge areas are essential to prevent foreign object debris from interfering with locking mechanisms. Pilots and maintenance crews should be vigilant about runway conditions that may introduce sand or grit into critical mechanical systems.