On August 10, 1989, a Boeing 727-254 (registration N915TS) was involved in an aviation accident near Boston, MA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE LANDING GEAR DRAG BRACE TO UNLOCK DURING LANDING. CONTRIBUTING WAS THE FAILURE OF PACIFIC SOUTHWEST AIRLINES TO CATCH THE INCORRECT ASSEMBLY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
The crew of a Boeing 727 could not lower the nose landing gear normally or with manual crank, leading to a gear-up landing and evacuation. Investigation found fractured drag brace links and missing bushings.
Incident Summary
The flight crew of a Boeing 727 encountered an inability to extend the nose landing gear using both the normal hydraulic system and the manual hand crank. The malfunction prevented the gear from deploying to its down-and-locked position.
Emergency Landing and Evacuation
After exhausting available gear extension procedures, the crew executed a landing with the nose gear retracted. Following the landing, an emergency evacuation was conducted through the L1 and R1 exits.
Post-Incident Investigation
Examination of the aircraft after the incident revealed that both links responsible for removing the locking pawls in the nose gear drag brace were fractured. Subsequent metallurgical analysis at the Boeing Metallurgical Laboratory found no evidence that bushings had been installed at the attachment points of these links.
What happened in the 10 Aug 1989 Boeing 727-254 accident near Boston, MA?
The crew of a Boeing 727 could not lower the nose landing gear normally or with manual crank, leading to a gear-up landing and evacuation. Investigation found fractured drag brace links and missing bushings.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Aug 1989 Boeing 727-254 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Aug 1989 involved a Boeing 727-254, registration N915TS, at Boston, MA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF THE LANDING GEAR DRAG BRACE TO UNLOCK DURING LANDING. CONTRIBUTING WAS THE FAILURE OF PACIFIC SOUTHWEST AIRLINES TO CATCH THE INCORRECT ASSEMBLY. AN ADDITIONAL FACTOR WAS THE USE OF FAULTY INFORMATION BY EASTERN AIRLINES AND THEIR DECISION TO NOT MAKE THE INSPECTION REQUIRED BY THE BOEING SERVICE LETTER.
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