On August 31, 1997, a Beech E90 (registration N16NM) was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The retraction/extension torque tube failed in fatigue. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a medical evacuation flight, the right main landing gear failed to retract after takeoff and later collapsed on landing. Investigation revealed fatigue failure of the retraction/extension torque tube.
Incident Overview
A medical evacuation flight departed from Santa Rosa with a patient and two flight nurses on board. During initial climb following takeoff, the right main landing gear failed to fully retract. Later, prior to landing at Albuquerque, the right main landing gear did not lock in the down position. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear collapsed.
Examination Findings
Examination of the landing gear provided evidence that the retraction/extension torque tube failed in fatigue. This component is critical for the proper extension and retraction of the landing gear.
Aftermath
The aircraft sustained damage to the right main landing gear area. The patient and flight nurses were aboard, but no injuries were reported in the source.
Probable cause
The retraction/extension torque tube failed in fatigue.