Casualties unknown

Aircraft Veers Off Runway During Landing Due to Landing Gear Failure (N128AC)

Danville, IL, US

On November 8, 2001, a Smith AEROSTAR 601 (registration N128AC) operated by Name was involved in an aviation accident near Danville, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The separation of the main landing gear scissor assembly during landing for undetermined reasons, resulting in the directional control of the airplane not being possible. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, a loud noise preceded the airplane veering off the runway. Post-accident inspection revealed the landing gear scissor assembly had broken loose from the upper mounting collar, causing the lower strut to rotate 90 degrees.

Incident Overview

An airplane veered off the runway during the landing phase. According to the pilot, a loud noise was heard just before the veer occurred. The aircraft came to rest off the runway surface.

Post-Accident Inspection

Examination of the aircraft after the incident revealed that the landing gear scissor assembly had broken loose from the upper mounting collar on the landing gear strut. Additionally, the lower strut was found to have rotated approximately 90 degrees from its normal position. No other anomalies were detected with the airplane or any of its systems that could be linked to a pre-impact condition.

Part Examination Request

Investigators requested that the broken components be sent to the National Transportation Safety Board for further examination. However, the parts were not received, preventing additional analysis.

Conclusion

The incident was confined to the landing gear failure described. No other factors were identified.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011108X02215. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.