Casualties unknown

Hard Landing Leads to Landing Gear Collapse and Engine Separation (N6640R)

Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

On October 31, 1991, a Beech C-45H (registration N6640R) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Lauderdale, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: HARD LANDING DUE TO FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER DESCENT RATE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE TURBULENCE ENCOUNTERED DURING THE APCH. 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 approach, passengers reported turbulence. The aircraft landed hard, collapsing the left main landing gear. The aircraft then yawed left, collapsing the nose and right main landing gears from sideload. Examination revealed the left main gear walking beam failed due to overstress. The right engine separated downward; the left engine was partially attached but deflected downward.

Incident Summary

Passengers on the flight reported that the aircraft encountered turbulence during the approach. Subsequently, the aircraft landed hard, causing the left main landing gear to collapse. Following the collapse, the aircraft yawed to the left, and the nose landing gear and right main landing gear collapsed due to sideload.

Examination Findings

Examination of the left main landing gear assembly revealed that the walking beam had failed due to overstress, which allowed the gear to collapse. Further examination of the aircraft showed that the right engine separated in a downward direction. The left engine was partially attached but deflected in a downward direction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18356. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.