Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Collapse on Part 135 Flight After Extension Failure (N6724D)

Gulfport, MS, US

On November 6, 1987, a Beech 99 (registration N6724D) operated by Air New Orleans was involved in an aviation accident near Gulfport, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right main landing gear actuator end cap failed as a result of fatigue, allowing hydraulic pressure and fluid to leak. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

On a scheduled domestic passenger flight, the nose landing gear failed to extend on final approach. After multiple attempts, the gear collapsed on touchdown. Investigation found right main landing gear actuator end cap fatigue failure.

Incident Details

A Part 135 scheduled domestic passenger flight experienced a landing gear malfunction while on final approach. The nose landing gear failed to fully extend. The pilot attempted to recycle the landing gear, but it remained unextended. An emergency extension procedure was also attempted, with negative results. The approach was continued, and upon touchdown, the complete landing gear collapsed. The aircraft subsequently slid to a stop.

Evacuation and Post-Incident Actions

Following the gear collapse, all passengers were evacuated via the emergency exit. Post-incident examination focused on the landing gear system.

Examination Findings

A detailed inspection of the landing gear revealed that the right main landing gear actuator end cap had failed due to fatigue. This failure allowed hydraulic pressure and fluid to leak from the actuator, preventing proper gear extension and contributing to the collapse during landing.

Probable cause

The right main landing gear actuator end cap failed as a result of fatigue, allowing hydraulic pressure and fluid to leak.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32576. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.