Casualties unknown

2000-03-14: Beech 58 (N225TA) — Memphis, TN

Memphis, TN, US

On March 14, 2000, a Beech 58 (registration N225TA) was involved in an aviation accident near Memphis, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A defective dynamic brake relay allowed the motor to drive the gearbox past prescribed limits, inducing a bend into the right main landing gear connecting rod. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During landing rollout, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to exit the runway. Company maintenance found a defective dynamic brake relay allowed the gearbox to over-travel, bending a connecting rod and preventing gear extension.

Incident Description

During the landing rollout, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane departed the runway. The pilot reported the event to company maintenance personnel, who subsequently examined the right main landing gear assembly.

Investigation Findings

Company maintenance discovered that a dynamic brake relay—a component designed to provide a momentary surge of reverse current to the right main landing gear for positive stopping—was defective. The defective relay allowed the motor to drive the landing gear gearbox beyond its prescribed limits. This over-travel induced a bend in the right main landing gear connecting rod. When the gear down selection was made, the connecting rod was placed under a compression load, which caused it to bend further and ultimately prevented the gear from extending.

Conclusion

Examination of the aircraft's right main landing gear revealed the defective dynamic brake relay as the initiating component. The failure of this relay led to a cascading mechanical issue that resulted in the landing gear collapse and subsequent runway excursion.

Probable cause

A defective dynamic brake relay allowed the motor to drive the gearbox past prescribed limits, inducing a bend into the right main landing gear connecting rod. When gear down was selected, the rod was placed under compression, causing it to bend further and not extend the gear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20691. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.