Casualties unknown

Left Main Landing Gear Collapses After Taxiway Turn (N98685)

St. Thomas, US

On October 28, 1985, a Cessna 402B (registration N98685) operated by C And M Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near St. Thomas. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After landing, a pilot executed a 270-degree left turn to enter a taxiway. The left main landing gear began to wobble and then collapsed outward. Inspection revealed five of six attachment bolts missing and the remaining bolt pulled loose.

Incident Description

Following a landing, the pilot performed a 270-degree left turn to enter a taxiway. Upon completion of the turn, the left main landing gear started to wobble and subsequently collapsed outward.

Inspection Findings

Examination of the aircraft disclosed that the left gear support bracket is attached to the aircraft structure by six bolts. Of these, five were missing and the remaining bolt had pulled loose from the structure. The missing bolts were not recovered.

The aircraft sustained damage as a result of the landing gear collapse. No further details about the aircraft or the extent of damage were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38080. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.