Accident Overview
On January 7, 1985, at approximately 0750 Eastern Standard Time, a Cessna 402 aircraft, registration N60SA, sustained a left main landing gear collapse while landing at Miami International Airport in Miami, Florida. The aircraft was operating on a commuter air taxi positioning flight under an IFR flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Sequence of Events
The flight originated from Miami at 0745 EST. According to the pilot, after takeoff, the nose gear and right main gear retracted normally. However, the left main gear did not retract, and the pilot reported hearing metallic grinding noises. The pilot continued to recycle the landing gear and attempted emergency extension procedures, but the left main gear remained unresponsive. The pilot subsequently landed on Runway 30, during which the left main gear collapsed.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft received minor damage. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries.