Casualties unknown

Right Main Gear Collapses After Landing Following Gear Indication Anomaly (N4735A)

Seattle, WA, US

On July 3, 1993, a Cessna 414A (registration N4735A) operated by Galvin Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Seattle, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE DISENGAGEMENT OF THE GEAR DOWN-LOCK MECHANISM DUE TO CORROSION AND THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL OPERATION OF THE AIRCRAFT WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN EQUIPMENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A pilot experienced a right main gear-down light failure, used emergency extension, then inspected but did not secure the gear. On the next landing, the right main gear collapsed. Corrosion and scoring were found inside the down-lock tube.

Event Description

During arrival at the original destination, the pilot cycled the landing gear six times. The green gear-down indicator light for the right main gear did not illuminate. The pilot then used the emergency extension system to blow the gear down, after which the right main gear-down light illuminated. Following landing, the pilot inspected the landing gear but did not contact company maintenance personnel or use an external lock to secure the gear in the down-and-locked position.

Subsequent Flight and Landing

The pilot departed for the final destination with the gear remaining in the down position. During the subsequent landing roll, the right main gear collapsed.

Findings

Examination of the landing gear revealed corrosion and scoring of the metal inside the down-lock tube, where the teeth of the down-lock mechanism slide into the engaged position.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13002. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.