Left Main Landing Gear Collapse and Post-Accident Fire

Casualties unknown • San Antonio, TX, US

A commercial pilot experienced a left main landing gear collapse during landing, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway and a subsequent post-accident fire.

What happened

Following an initial touchdown, the pilot aborted the landing attempt and executed a go-around. During the second landing attempt, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and strike runway lights.

During the event, a fuel leak occurred under the left wing. This leaking fuel came into contact with a hot wire from the damaged runway lights, which ignited a post-accident fire.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the structural integrity of the landing gear and the aircraft's maintenance history. At the time of the most recent annual inspection, the airframe had accumulated 15,522.7 hours. A review of the maintenance records showed no evidence of uncorrected defects or previous anomalies.

Mechanical examination of the left main landing gear revealed that the trunnion had fractured due to an overload. Investigators found no microscopic anomalies within the trunnion material itself.

Probable cause

The fracture of the left main landing gear trunnion caused by an overload, which led to the gear collapse and subsequent runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-03-16 Cessna 402C accident near San Antonio, TX?

A commercial pilot experienced a left main landing gear collapse during landing, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway and a subsequent post-accident fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-03-16 involved a Cessna 402C, registration N11NX, at San Antonio, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The fracture of the left main landing gear trunnion caused by an overload, which led to the gear collapse and subsequent runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20633. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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