Casualties unknown

Right Main Landing Gear Collapses During Landing Roll After Reported Abnormal Noises (N475JN)

Springdale, AR, US

On June 13, 1999, a Cessna 414 (registration N475JN) operated by Neil Johnson was involved in an aviation accident near Springdale, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The gear torque tube support bracket/pivot bearing broke, allowing the gear down lock tube to break by overtorquing. 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 roll, the right main landing gear of a twin-engine airplane collapsed. The pilot had heard abnormal noises during takeoff and gear retraction, and a landing gear indicator issue led to a return to departure airport.

Accident Details

During the landing roll, the right main landing gear of a twin-engine airplane collapsed. The pilot reported that during takeoff, as the airplane lifted off the ground, he heard a 'bump.' Then, as the landing gear retracted, just before reaching the up and locked position, he heard a 'loud bang.' The pilot continued to the intended destination. Upon arrival, when the landing gear was lowered, the right main landing gear green light did not illuminate. The pilot raised the landing gear and heard another 'loud bang.' He then elected to return to the departure airport. During the return, the pilot performed flybys at an en route airport and at the destination airport to confirm a problem with the right main landing gear. The pilot initiated a slow approach to runway 36, and when landing was assured, shut down both engines. The airplane touched down, and during the landing roll, the right main landing gear collapsed.

Examination Findings

An examination of the right main landing gear by an A&P mechanic with an FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) revealed that the 'gear torque tube support bracket/pivot bearing broke allowing the gear down lock tube to break by overtorquing.'

Probable cause

The gear torque tube support bracket/pivot bearing broke, allowing the gear down lock tube to break by overtorquing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19003. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.