On December 5, 1985, a Piper NAVAJO PA-31-350 (registration N492SC) operated by South Central Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue cracks in the inside radius of the fillet in the clevis end of the right main gear landing gear link assembly, PN 40279. 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.
The pilot diverted to Kenai, Alaska after being unable to raise the landing gear. After extending the gear with three safe indications, the left main gear collapsed during rollout. Fatigue cracks were found in the right main gear link assembly.
Incident Overview
The pilot-in-command experienced difficulty raising the landing gear after departure and subsequently diverted to Kenai, Alaska. Upon extending the landing gear, three safe gear indications were obtained. The pilot landed the airplane, but during rollout, the left main landing gear collapsed.
Examination Findings
A metallurgical examination of the right main gear landing gear link assembly, part number 40279, revealed fatigue cracks in the inside radius of the fillet in the clevis end.
Sequence of Events
After departure, the pilot could not raise the landing gear properly.
The pilot diverted to Kenai, Alaska.
When extending the gear, three safe gear indications were received.
The pilot landed the airplane, and during rollout, the left main gear collapsed.
Examination of the right main gear link assembly showed fatigue cracks in the fillet radius of the clevis end.
Probable cause
Fatigue cracks in the inside radius of the fillet in the clevis end of the right main gear landing gear link assembly, PN 40279.
What happened in the 5 Dec 1985 Piper NAVAJO PA-31-350 accident near Kenai, AK?
The pilot diverted to Kenai, Alaska after being unable to raise the landing gear. After extending the gear with three safe indications, the left main gear collapsed during rollout. Fatigue cracks were found in the right main gear link assembly.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Dec 1985 involved a Piper NAVAJO PA-31-350, registration N492SC, operated by South Central Air, Inc., at Kenai, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fatigue cracks in the inside radius of the fillet in the clevis end of the right main gear landing gear link assembly, PN 40279.
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