Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Collapse During Landing Rollout Following Barrel Lug Fatigue Failure (N421MQ)

Traverse City, MI, US

On April 3, 1996, an Atr 42 (registration N421MQ) was involved in an aviation accident near Traverse City, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: improper use of procedures by maintenance personnel at an overhaul facility during overhaul of the landing gear, allowing corrosion to occur on the barrel lugs of the landing gear, which subsequently led to fatigue cracking of the lugs and eventual collapse… 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

During landing rollout, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to skid to a stop. Investigation revealed fatigue failure of barrel lugs due to a corrosion pit, and improper bushing installation during overhaul.

Accident Sequence

During the landing rollout, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft skidded to a stop.

Examination of Failed Components

Examination of the landing gear revealed that the barrel lugs, which attach the swinging lever to the main landing gear barrel, had failed. The fracture of the outboard lower lug exhibited clam shell marks typical of a fatigue crack. The fatigue crack originated from a corrosion pit in the bore of the lug.

Maintenance Findings

Further investigation identified that the four bushings for the lower lugs of the barrel, which were replaced during overhaul, did not have the proper interference fit. Additionally, the bushings lacked the proper application of corrosion preventative on their surfaces. Primer paint had not been applied during overhaul; instead, Mastinox was used in place of the wet primer specified by the manufacturer's procedures.

Inspection of Other Landing Gears

During the investigation, nine landing gears with various numbers of total cycles since overhaul or manufacture were inspected. The inspections revealed torn or missing rubber sealant on bushing flanges, corrosion in the lug bores, and corrosion on the lug faces.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05524. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.