Casualties unknown

Sudden Sink Rate During Approach Leads to Right Main Gear Separation and Runway Excursion (N6344X)

Nantucket, MA, US

On October 18, 1987, a Cessna 402B (registration N6344X) was involved in an aviation accident near Nantucket, MA. 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

During an approach to runway 6 at dusk, a sudden sink rate developed. The pilot applied power and felt a thud; the right main gear light indicated not down and locked. A go-around was performed, but during a subsequent landing on runway 24, the right wing settled and the aircraft exited the runway. Gouges were found short of runway 6 where the gear had separated.

Incident Narrative

The pilot stated that while conducting an approach to runway 6 in dusk conditions, the aircraft suddenly developed an uncommanded sink rate. In response, he applied engine power and raised the nose to a climb attitude. Shortly thereafter, he perceived a "thud beneath the aircraft" and noticed that the indicator light for the right main landing gear no longer showed a down-and-locked status. Believing that the right main gear had detached, the pilot initiated a go-around.

Landing Sequence

For the subsequent landing on runway 24, the pilot shut down the engines and used aileron inputs to keep the right wing elevated for as long as possible. As the aircraft decelerated, the right wing gradually lowered, causing the aircraft to veer off the right side of the runway.

Evidence

Examination of the runway area short of the threshold of runway 6 revealed gouges consistent with the right main landing gear contacting the ground and separating from the aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32426. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.