Casualties unknown

1986-01-17: Boeing 727-225 (N802EA) — Eastern Airlines — Loudon County, VA

Loudon County, VA, US

On January 17, 1986, a Boeing 727-225 (registration N802EA) operated by Eastern Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Loudon County, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right main landing gear failed to extend because the downlock link bearing had corroded and seized, a condition resulting from the lack of an external lubrication provision and no requirement for disassembly to inspect or lubricate the bearing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 16 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 727-225
Photo: Pete Macklin / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aircraft experienced right main landing gear extension failure, leading to an aborted landing at Washington National and an emergency gear-up landing at Dulles. Post-accident examination revealed a corroded and seized downlock link bearing.

Accident Summary

During approach to Washington National Airport, the flight crew discovered that the right main landing gear would not extend. The landing was aborted, and the crew attempted to rectify the situation but were unsuccessful. An emergency gear-up landing was subsequently performed at Dulles International Airport. All crew members and passengers evacuated the aircraft without injury.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the incident, a detailed examination of the landing gear system was conducted. The investigation identified that the right downlock link bearing, Boeing part number BACB10B107J, had corroded and seized. This condition prevented the gear from locking into the extended position.

Maintenance Findings

The downlock link bearing was found to have no external provision for lubrication. Additionally, there was no requirement for disassembly to inspect or lubricate the bearing during routine maintenance. The bearing was subject to an 'installed' inspection during 'A' checks, which occurred every 130 flight hours, and during 'C' checks, performed every 36 days. The most recent 'A' check had been completed on October 28, 1985.

Probable cause

The right main landing gear failed to extend because the downlock link bearing had corroded and seized, a condition resulting from the lack of an external lubrication provision and no requirement for disassembly to inspect or lubricate the bearing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010110X00148. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.