Casualties unknown

2002-03-02: Cessna 421C (N421DG) — Hailey, ID

Hailey, ID, US

On March 2, 2002, a Cessna 421C (registration N421DG) was involved in an aviation accident near Hailey, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Water contamination within the aircraft's landing gear hydraulic line(s) which froze and blocked the line(s) preventing extension of the right main gear. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During approach to Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, Idaho, the pilot of a Cessna 421C encountered a landing gear issue with no down-and-locked indication on the right main gear. The nitrogen blow down system failed, leading to a landing with nose and left main gear extended.

Incident Overview

While on approach to the Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, Idaho, the pilot of a Cessna 421C initiated the landing gear extension sequence. The left main and nose gear extended and locked normally, but the right main gear failed to indicate a down-and-locked position. The pilot then attempted to lower the landing gear using the nitrogen blow down system, but this procedure also did not result in a successful extension of the right main gear.

Landing and Post-Crash Examination

The pilot proceeded to land the aircraft with the nose gear and left main gear extended, while the right main gear remained retracted or partially extended. Following the landing, a post-crash examination of the aircraft's landing gear system was conducted.

Hydraulic System Findings

During the examination, a small amount of water was discovered in the landing gear hydraulic lines. After the system was purged of the contaminated fluid and replenished with uncontaminated hydraulic fluid, the landing gear system functioned without malfunction. Both normal operation and the nitrogen blow down system operated correctly after the fluid change.

Environmental Conditions

The temperature at Hailey, Idaho, was well below freezing both before and after the accident. The source does not specify the exact temperature or its relation to the water contamination.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft involved was a Cessna 421C. No additional details about registration, operator, or occupants were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020311X00328. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.