Casualties unknown

Right Main Landing Gear Collapse During Taxi (N47AE)

Covington, KY, US

On November 20, 1996, an Atr 42 (registration N47AE) was involved in an aviation accident near Covington, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fracture of the outboard lower lug exhibited a fatigue crack emanating from corrosion pits in the bore of the lug. The bushings for the lower lugs (replaced during overhaul) did not have the proper interference fit. 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

The right main landing gear collapsed while taxiing for takeoff. Investigation revealed a fatigue crack from corrosion pits due to improper bushing fit and lack of corrosion preventatives during overhaul.

Incident

During taxi for takeoff, the right main landing gear collapsed. The collapse resulted from the failure of the barrel lugs that attach the swinging lever to the main landing gear barrel.

Investigation

Examination of the landing gear determined that the outboard lower lug had fractured. The fracture exhibited a fatigue crack that originated from corrosion pits in the bore of the lug. The bushings for the lower lugs, which had been replaced during overhaul, did not have the proper interference fit. Additionally, during the overhaul, the bushings did not receive the proper application of corrosion preventatives as specified by the manufacturer's procedures.

Additional Inspections

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

Probable cause

The fracture of the outboard lower lug exhibited a fatigue crack emanating from corrosion pits in the bore of the lug. The bushings for the lower lugs (replaced during overhaul) did not have the proper interference fit. During overhaul, the bushings did not have the proper applications of corrosion preventatives applied to the surface of the bushings as specified by the manufacturer's procedures.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07002. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.