Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Collapse on Touchdown After Normal Extension Indication (N688NE)

Sugar Land, TX, US

On November 11, 1993, a Fairchild SA227-AC (registration N688NE) operated by Conquest Airlines Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Sugar Land, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP (POWER PACK). 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

On final approach, the landing gear was extended and three green lights confirmed locked. Upon touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed or retracted. Post-incident examination found no mechanical damage to the gear actuator components. The hydraulic power pack produced abnormal noise and pressure fluctuations during testing, but functional checks revealed no discrepancies; procedural errors may have invalidated those results.

Incident Overview

During the final approach phase, the flight crew extended the landing gear and confirmed it was down and locked via the three green indicator lights. This indication was corroborated by the cockpit voice recorder. However, at the moment of touchdown, the left main landing gear either collapsed or retracted. The landing gear actuator rods, rod ends, down lock rollers, and cams were examined and found to be undamaged.

Post-Incident Examination

Following the incident, investigators examined the hydraulic power pack. When operated, it emitted a loud noise and hydraulic pressure fluctuated between 500 and 1,200 psi. Despite these observations, during a subsequent functional test and internal inspection of the hydraulic power pack, no discrepancies were noted. However, the investigating authority determined that procedural errors were made during that testing, which might have invalidated the test results.

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.