Landing Gear Collapse Following Engine Failure and Stall

Casualties unknown • Houston, TX, US

An aircraft experienced a left engine failure shortly after takeoff, leading to an emergency landing attempt that resulted in a gear collapse and runway excursion.

What happened

Following takeoff, the pilot observed the airplane yawing to the left and noted fluctuations on the left engine torquemeter. In response, the pilot feathered the left engine and initiated a turn back toward the airport.

During the return, the pilot maintained a flap setting of 20 degrees, which resulted in a climb performance that did not exceed 200 feet AGL. The pilot reported an airspeed of 115 knots, which was below the manufacturer's recommended minimum of 140 knots for such configurations.

The pilot decided to land on the departure runway, approaching from the opposite direction of takeoff. The approach involved a 90-degree angle to the runway centerline, followed by a 90-degree turn to align with the runway. To reach the runway, the pilot delayed the extension of the landing gear. Upon extending the gear, the airplane entered a stall and touched down before the landing gear had reached the 'down and locked' position. This caused the gear to collapse, resulting in the airplane sliding off the runway.

No injuries were reported.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a stall during the landing approach after the pilot delayed gear extension, leading to a touchdown before the landing gear was fully locked and causing the gear to collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-05-16 Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 accident near Houston, TX?

An aircraft experienced a left engine failure shortly after takeoff, leading to an emergency landing attempt that resulted in a gear collapse and runway excursion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-05-16 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40, registration N40AM, at Houston, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a stall during the landing approach after the pilot delayed gear extension, leading to a touchdown before the landing gear was fully locked and causing the gear to collapse.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05766. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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