Casualties unknown

1997-08-09: Cessna 310 (N8139M) — Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ, US

On August 9, 1997, a Cessna 310 (registration N8139M) was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate maintenance inspection of the landing gear system, following a prior incident, due to the mechanic's failure to follow the service manual instructions. 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 a training flight, a Cessna's right main landing gear collapsed on landing after a go-around. Postaccident examination found an overload fracture in the gear side link; the aircraft had previously been damaged by jet blast and received incomplete repairs.

Accident Sequence

After a three-hour training flight, the pilot selected the landing gear down and received a green light indication. Upon main gear touchdown, the gear warning horn sounded, prompting the pilot to perform a successful go-around. Subsequent attempts to obtain a green down light for the landing gear, using both normal and emergency procedures, were unsuccessful. During the final landing, the right main landing gear collapsed.

Examination

Postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed that the right main gear upper side link had fractured, separating it from the lower side link. The associated push-pull tube for the upper side link was bent, and the attaching bolt was sheared. Metallurgical examination of the parts disclosed that all fractures and bends were the result of overload.

Previous Incident

The aircraft had sustained damage while parked at another airport ramp. This occurred when a Boeing 727 was departing the ramp; its jet blast lifted the Cessna off the ground, and the Cessna was abruptly deposited back on the ramp. Following that incident, the aircraft was ferried to a repair facility. Records of the repair showed that the gear work was limited to jacking the aircraft and inspecting the nose gear assembly, actuator and bellcrank, and nose structure. A gear retraction and extension check was also performed.

Manufacturer's Guidance

The manufacturer stated that following the jet blast incident, the airplane should have undergone an extensive re-rigging of the gear to thoroughly inspect the system.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08670. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.