Casualties unknown

1994-02-13: Piper PA-44-180 (N190ND) — Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks, ND, US

On February 13, 1994, a Piper PA-44-180 (registration N190ND) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Forks, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A cotter pin on the right main landing gear scissors was open and caught a wiring bundle in the wheel well, which prevented the down lock from engaging. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During landing gear extension, a flashing right main gear light and unsafe warning led to multiple extension attempts. Upon landing, the right main gear collapsed due to a cotter pin catching a wiring bundle.

Event Description

During the approach for landing, the landing gear was extended. The right main landing gear indicator light began flashing, and an unsafe gear warning activated. The crew made several attempts to ensure the gear was properly extended, including repeated use of normal and emergency gear extension procedures. Despite these efforts, upon touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed.

Examination Findings

A subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed that a cotter pin on the right main landing gear scissors was in an open position. This open cotter pin had caught a wiring bundle within the wheel well, which interfered with the down lock mechanism. The obstruction prevented the down lock from engaging, leading to the gear not being locked in the extended position.

Probable Cause

The accident investigation identified that the right main landing gear collapsed because a cotter pin on the scissors was open and caught a wiring bundle, preventing the down lock from engaging.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00734. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.