No fatalities

Landing Gear Collapse During Landing After Malfunction Discovery (N511AW)

Moline, IL, US

On May 4, 1989, a Fokker F-27 MK500 (registration N511AW) operated by Air Wisconsin was involved in an aviation accident near Moline, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: MATERIAL FAILURE OF THE LANDING GEAR RETRACTION AND EXTENSION ASSEMBLY. INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES IN COMPANY DIRECTIVES WERE FACTORS IN THIS INCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N511AW
Aircraft registered N511AW. Photo: Pete Macklin / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An airplane's right main landing gear collapsed on landing after it failed to extend fully. The gear malfunction was noted during a maintenance check flight. Neither crew member was injured; the aircraft sustained minor damage.

Incident Overview

A two-person flight crew experienced a landing gear malfunction during a maintenance check flight. The issue was first detected when the landing gear would not cycle properly. After retraction, the right main landing gear failed to fully extend. The crew attempted to lower the gear using emergency procedures, but these efforts were unsuccessful.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft landed with the right main landing gear not fully down and locked. Upon touchdown, the gear could not support the airplane's weight and collapsed. The airplane sustained minor damage as a result of the collapse.

Damage and Injuries

Neither of the two crewmembers aboard the airplane was injured. The damage to the aircraft was limited to minor structural issues from the gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 May 1989 Fokker F-27 MK500 accident near Moline, IL?

An airplane's right main landing gear collapsed on landing after it failed to extend fully. The gear malfunction was noted during a maintenance check flight. Neither crew member was injured; the aircraft sustained minor damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 May 1989 Fokker F-27 MK500 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 May 1989 involved a Fokker F-27 MK500, registration N511AW, operated by Air Wisconsin, at Moline, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

MATERIAL FAILURE OF THE LANDING GEAR RETRACTION AND EXTENSION ASSEMBLY. INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES IN COMPANY DIRECTIVES WERE FACTORS IN THIS INCIDENT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28264. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.