Right Main Gear Separation During Go-Around at Dusk

Casualties unknown • Nantucket, MA, US

A pilot experienced a sudden sink rate during an approach to runway 6 at dusk. After initiating a go-around, the right main gear separated from the aircraft, leading to a subsequent landing on runway 24 where the plane departed the runway.

What happened

The pilot reported that during an approach to runway 6 at dusk, a sudden sink rate developed in the aircraft. In response, he applied power and brought the aircraft to a climb attitude. However, he felt a thud beneath the aircraft and noted that the right main gear light no longer indicated down and locked. Suspecting that the right main gear had separated, he made a go-around.

During a subsequent landing on runway 24, he shut down the engines and held the right wing up as long as possible by using the ailerons. As the aircraft slowed, the right wing settled and the aircraft went off the right side of the runway. Gouges were found short of runway 6, where the right main gear had hit the ground and separated from the aircraft.

The investigation

Examination of the site revealed gouges short of runway 6, indicating where the right main gear had struck the ground before separating from the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-10-18 Cessna 402B accident near Nantucket, MA?

A pilot experienced a sudden sink rate during an approach to runway 6 at dusk. After initiating a go-around, the right main gear separated from the aircraft, leading to a subsequent landing on runway 24 where the plane departed the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-10-18 involved a Cessna 402B, registration N6344X, at Nantucket, MA.

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.

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