On March 29, 1996, a Socata TBM-700 (registration N292RG) was involved in an aviation accident near Eau Claire, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fatigue fracture and subsequent failure of the gear door hinge bracket. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot performed a gear-up landing after the right main landing gear failed to extend. Examination revealed a fatigue fracture in the right inboard landing gear door forward hinge bracket, causing the door to wedge in the wheel well.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that an unsafe gear door light was displayed shortly after departure. He recycled the landing gear, but the right main landing gear did not extend. He performed several normal and emergency gear extension attempts, all unsuccessful. He had several telephone patch conversations with the airplane manufacturer and flight safety personnel. Unable to lower the right main landing gear, he orbited to burn down fuel, declared an emergency, and conducted a gear-up landing.
Examination Findings
Examination of the right main landing gear revealed a fatigue fracture in the right inboard landing gear door forward hinge bracket. The door was wedged in the wheel well.
What happened in the 29 Mar 1996 Socata TBM-700 accident near Eau Claire, WI?
A pilot performed a gear-up landing after the right main landing gear failed to extend. Examination revealed a fatigue fracture in the right inboard landing gear door forward hinge bracket, causing the door to wedge in the wheel well.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Mar 1996 involved a Socata TBM-700, registration N292RG, at Eau Claire, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
fatigue fracture and subsequent failure of the gear door hinge bracket.
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