Casualties unknown

Airplane's Left Landing Gear Fails During Rollout, Resulting in Runway Excursion (N401FC)

Plymouth, MA, US

On May 31, 1990, a Cessna 401 (registration N401FC) operated by Plymouth Air Sales was involved in an aviation accident near Plymouth, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION BY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL OF THE LEFT GEAR TORQUE LINK ATTACHMENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During landing rollout, the pilot felt a vibration and left pull, then heard a snapping sound as the left landing gear failed, causing the airplane to depart the runway and stop in grass.

Sequence of Events

The airplane landed normally. During the rollout, the pilot experienced a vibration and a pull to the left. Subsequently, a loud snapping sound was heard, and the left side of the airplane dropped to the runway. The airplane then pulled severely left, departed the runway, and came to a stop in the grass approximately 30 feet from the runway edge.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the landing gear revealed that a nut, washer, and cotter pin were missing from the left gear torque-link attachment. This discovery was made two hours Hobbs time after the accident occurred. The investigation noted that work had been performed on the left gear torque-link attachment during the last inspection.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23276. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.