On September 29, 1991, a Fairchild SW3 (registration N159MC) operated by Jet Express, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic City, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A FAILURE OF THE DOWN LOCK ROLLER BEARINGS OF THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR, AS THE RESULT OF AN IMPROPER MODIFICATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Upon touchdown on Runway 31, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to veer off the right side of the runway. Investigation found unauthorized grinding of actuator positioning cams and failed down lock roller bearings.
Event Description
The airplane touched down on Runway 31. Immediately after touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane subsequently veered off the right side of the runway.
Findings
The airplane had recently undergone a modification to increase its gross operating weight from 14,500 to 16,000 pounds. Examination revealed that both actuator positioning cams had been ground down at the down lock lobes. Removal of material from the cams is not authorized on this airplane.
Additionally, both right main landing gear down lock roller bearing outer races had failed. One bearing was found in pieces on the runway; the other was not recovered.
What happened in the 29 Sept 1991 Fairchild SW3 accident near Atlantic City, NJ?
Upon touchdown on Runway 31, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to veer off the right side of the runway. Investigation found unauthorized grinding of actuator positioning cams and failed down lock roller bearings.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Sept 1991 Fairchild SW3 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Sept 1991 involved a Fairchild SW3, registration N159MC, operated by Jet Express, Inc., at Atlantic City, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A FAILURE OF THE DOWN LOCK ROLLER BEARINGS OF THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR, AS THE RESULT OF AN IMPROPER MODIFICATION.
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