On September 10, 2001, a Beech 76 (registration N383) was involved in an aviation accident near Wheeling, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the hydraulic power pack,and the false landing gear position indication. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a training flight, the landing gear failed to retract after takeoff. Despite verification of down position, the right main gear collapsed on landing. Post-accident inspection revealed intermittent hydraulic power pack and incomplete gear locking.
Accident Overview
The accident occurred when a training airplane's right main landing gear collapsed during landing at an airport. The airplane sustained damage.
Circumstances
After takeoff, the flight instructor and student pilot discovered that the landing gear would not retract. Multiple attempts to raise the gear were unsuccessful. The decision was made to proceed to another airport with the gear extended. During the approach, the landing gear position indicating lights were checked twice to confirm the gear was down. Despite these checks, the right main landing gear collapsed upon touchdown.
Findings
When the airplane was removed from the accident scene, it was observed that the right main landing gear and the nose landing gear were not fully down and locked. Only the left main landing gear was found in the locked position. Subsequent inspection revealed that the landing gear system hydraulic power pack was functioning intermittently.