On July 19, 1984, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N4E) operated by Grand Strand Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near No.myrtle Beach, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Examination revealed that several P/N 5201KD bearings were broken and jammed between the worm gear and gear box housing of the landing gear actuating system. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot experienced landing gear extension failure after circuit breaker tripping. Examination revealed broken bearings and insufficient lubricant in the actuator, which had exceeded its recommended overhaul interval.
Incident Details
The pilot extended the landing gear, at which point the landing gear motor circuit breaker popped. After resetting the breaker and allowing a cool down period, a second attempt to extend the gear produced the same result. The pilot was unable to fully extend and lock the gear using the emergency extension system. The aircraft was subsequently landed with the landing gear partially extended, and the gear collapsed.
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination revealed that several P/N 5201KD bearings within the landing gear actuating system were broken and had become jammed between the worm gear and the gear box housing. The actuator contained little lubricant. The actuator had operated 4,538 hours since new and had not been overhauled. The manufacturer's recommended overhaul period is 2,000 hours.
Probable cause
Examination revealed that several P/N 5201KD bearings were broken and jammed between the worm gear and gear box housing of the landing gear actuating system. There was little lubricant in the actuator, which had operated 4,538 hours since new without overhaul, exceeding the manufacturer's recommended 2,000-hour overhaul period.
What happened in the 19 Jul 1984 Beech 95-B55 accident near No.myrtle Beach, SC?
A pilot experienced landing gear extension failure after circuit breaker tripping. Examination revealed broken bearings and insufficient lubricant in the actuator, which had exceeded its recommended overhaul interval.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jul 1984 involved a Beech 95-B55, registration N4E, operated by Grand Strand Aviation, at No.myrtle Beach, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Examination revealed that several P/N 5201KD bearings were broken and jammed between the worm gear and gear box housing of the landing gear actuating system. There was little lubricant in the actuator, which had operated 4,538 hours since new without overhaul, exceeding the manufacturer's recommended 2,000-hour…
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