Landing gear failure during touchdown

Casualties unknown • Sugar Land, TX, US

During the final approach and touchdown of an aircraft, the left main landing gear collapsed or retracted, leading to a landing gear incident.

What happened

While on final approach, the crew extended the landing gear and confirmed it was down and locked, noting three green lights on the instrument panel. This sequence of events was corroborated by the cockpit voice recorder. However, upon touchdown, the left main landing gear either collapsed or retracted.

The investigation

Investigators examined the landing gear components, including the actuator rods, rod ends, down lock rollers, and cams, finding them all to be undamaged. During a post-incident examination of the hydraulic power pack, the unit produced a loud noise, and hydraulic pressure was observed fluctuating between 500 and 1,200 PSI. While an internal inspection and functional test of the hydraulic power pack revealed no discrepancies, it was noted that procedural errors occurred during the testing process which may have invalidated the results.

Probable cause

Procedural errors during testing may have invalidated results regarding the hydraulic power pack, following a landing gear collapse or retraction upon touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-11-11 Fairchild SA227-AC accident near Sugar Land, TX?

During the final approach and touchdown of an aircraft, the left main landing gear collapsed or retracted, leading to a landing gear incident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-11-11 involved a Fairchild SA227-AC, registration N688NE, operated by Conquest Airlines Corporation, at Sugar Land, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Procedural errors during testing may have invalidated results regarding the hydraulic power pack, following a landing gear collapse or retraction upon touchdown.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13732. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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