On March 14, 1989, a Cessna 177RG (registration N52800) operated by Gertner, Robert was involved in an aviation accident near Savannah, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FATIGUE-INDUCED FRACTURE OF THE MAIN LANDING GEAR ACTUATOR ROD END. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane landed gear-up after the pilot was unable to lower the landing gear using normal or emergency systems. Investigation revealed a fractured main landing gear actuator rod end due to progressive fatigue cracking.
Accident Description
An airplane made a gear-up landing after the pilot was unable to lower the landing gear using either the normal or emergency extension systems. The gear-up landing resulted from the inability to extend the landing gear.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the main landing gear (MLG) actuator rod end had fractured. Metallurgical analysis of the fracture surface showed progressive fatigue cracking through the threaded shank of the rod end.
Maintenance History
In 1979, Cessna issued a service letter recommending the replacement of the original rod end part number with a new, high-strength rod end. Compliance with this service letter was not mandatory. Examination of Service Difficulty Reports (SDRs) from 1983 to 1989 found no history of similar failures involving the original part number rod end.
What happened in the 14 Mar 1989 Cessna 177RG accident near Savannah, GA?
An airplane landed gear-up after the pilot was unable to lower the landing gear using normal or emergency systems. Investigation revealed a fractured main landing gear actuator rod end due to progressive fatigue cracking.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Mar 1989 involved a Cessna 177RG, registration N52800, operated by Gertner, Robert, at Savannah, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FATIGUE-INDUCED FRACTURE OF THE MAIN LANDING GEAR ACTUATOR ROD END.
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