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Landing Gear Pivot Assembly Failure Leads to Wheels-Up Landing (N9592B)

West Chicago, IL, US

On April 2, 1991, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9592B) operated by Av. Training Enterprise OF Il. was involved in an aviation accident near West Chicago, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right main landing gear pivot assembly (part number 2441100-1) due to a torsional overload fracture of the splined shaft, which prevented mechanical extension of the right main landing gear. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After repeated attempts to lower the landing gear, only the left main and nose gear extended. The pilots performed a wheels-up landing, resulting in minor damage to the lower fuselage and propeller tips. Investigation revealed the right main landing gear pivot assembly failed due to a torsional overload fracture of the splined shaft.

Incident

The flight crew made repeated attempts to lower the landing gear during approach. Despite their efforts, only the left main and nose gear extended and locked into position. The right main landing gear remained retracted. The pilots subsequently elected to perform a wheels-up landing.

Damage

During the landing, the aircraft sustained minor damage to the lower fuselage and the tips of the propeller. No other damage was reported.

Investigation

A post-incident examination of the landing gear system revealed that the right main landing gear pivot assembly (part number 2441100-1) had failed. A metallurgical analysis of the failed component determined that the splined shaft within the pivot assembly had fractured due to torsional overload. This fracture prevented the mechanical extension of the right main landing gear, resulting in its inability to deploy. The failure of the pivot assembly was the direct cause of the incomplete gear extension.

Probable cause

Failure of the right main landing gear pivot assembly (part number 2441100-1) due to a torsional overload fracture of the splined shaft, which prevented mechanical extension of the right main landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Apr 1991 Cessna 172RG accident near West Chicago, IL?

After repeated attempts to lower the landing gear, only the left main and nose gear extended. The pilots performed a wheels-up landing, resulting in minor damage to the lower fuselage and propeller tips. Investigation revealed the right main landing gear pivot assembly failed due to a torsional overload fracture of…

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Apr 1991 Cessna 172RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Apr 1991 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N9592B, operated by Av. Training Enterprise OF Il., at West Chicago, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the right main landing gear pivot assembly (part number 2441100-1) due to a torsional overload fracture of the splined shaft, which prevented mechanical extension of the right main landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16751. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.