On November 16, 1986, a Boeing 727-231 (registration N64323) operated by Trans World Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Norfolk, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A circumferential fracture of the right main gear shock strut cylinder caused by pre-existing fatigue cracking. 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.
The right main landing gear collapsed during the landing roll of a commercial aircraft. A flight attendant sustained minor injuries during evacuation after metallurgical analysis revealed pre-existing fatigue cracking in the shock strut cylinder.
What happened
During the landing roll, the right main gear of the aircraft collapsed. The failure occurred while the plane was decelerating on the runway surface. Following the collapse, an evacuation of the aircraft was initiated. A flight attendant received minor injuries during this process.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft disclosed that the shock strut cylinder fractured circumferentially. The fracture location was approximately 10 inches below the top of the cylinder. Metallurgical examination of the fracture surface revealed evidence of pre-existing fatigue cracking.
Probable cause
A circumferential fracture of the right main gear shock strut cylinder caused by pre-existing fatigue cracking.
What happened in the 16 Nov 1986 Boeing 727-231 accident near Norfolk, VA?
The right main landing gear collapsed during the landing roll of a commercial aircraft. A flight attendant sustained minor injuries during evacuation after metallurgical analysis revealed pre-existing fatigue cracking in the shock strut cylinder.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Nov 1986 Boeing 727-231 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Nov 1986 involved a Boeing 727-231, registration N64323, operated by Trans World Airlines, at Norfolk, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A circumferential fracture of the right main gear shock strut cylinder caused by pre-existing fatigue cracking.
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