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Right Main Landing Gear Collapse During Landing After Abnormal Retraction (N3128K)

Alamogordo, NM, US

On March 7, 1990, a Cessna 402B (registration N3128K) operated by New Mexico Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Alamogordo, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The torque tube bracket assembly had failed and resulted in the gear down lock assembly malfunction. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 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

A commercial air taxi cargo flight experienced a right main landing gear collapse during landing roll after a loud noise during retraction and a persistent 'unlocked' light. Postaccident investigation found a failed torque tube bracket assembly.

Incident Overview

During a commercial air taxi cargo flight, the right landing gear emitted a loud noise during retraction, and the 'unlocked' light remained illuminated. The pilot flew by a control tower at Holloman Air Force Base for a visual inspection. Tower personnel confirmed that the gear did not appear to be locked down.

Landing and Collapse

During the landing roll, the right main landing gear folded, causing the aircraft to swerve to the right and come to rest off the right side of the runway.

Investigation Findings

A postaccident investigation revealed that the torque tube bracket assembly had failed, which resulted in a malfunction of the gear down lock assembly.

Probable cause

The torque tube bracket assembly had failed and resulted in the gear down lock assembly malfunction.
Structural failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Mar 1990 Cessna 402B accident near Alamogordo, NM?

A commercial air taxi cargo flight experienced a right main landing gear collapse during landing roll after a loud noise during retraction and a persistent 'unlocked' light. Postaccident investigation found a failed torque tube bracket assembly.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Mar 1990 Cessna 402B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Mar 1990 involved a Cessna 402B, registration N3128K, operated by New Mexico Flying Service, at Alamogordo, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The torque tube bracket assembly had failed and resulted in the gear down lock assembly malfunction.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22699. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.