Casualties unknown

Cargo Flight Landing Gear Collapses After Left Main Gear Failure (N38CJ)

Albuquerque, NM, US

On March 12, 2002, a Cessna 402C (registration N38CJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left main landing gear torque link assembly (scissors assembly) part number 5141005-7. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A Part 135 cargo flight experienced a landing gear collapse during rollout after the left main gear torque link assembly failed. The aircraft veered right, the left propeller struck the ground, and the nose gear collapsed.

Sequence of Events

The pilot of a Part 135 cargo flight reported passing the outer marker and lowering the landing gear, receiving three green indications. Landing on the runway at the fixed distance markers, the pilot held the nose wheel off the ground. The aircraft felt as if the right main gear was locked and the brakes were being applied. After releasing rudder pressure, the aircraft drifted to the right. The pilot lowered the nose wheel to regain steering control, but it had no effect. The aircraft continued drifting until the left propeller struck the ground and the nose landing gear collapsed.

Examination

Post-accident examination revealed that the left main landing gear had collapsed upon landing. The left main landing gear torque link assembly (scissors assembly), part number 5141005-7, was found to have failed.

Maintenance History

Approximately 22.1 hours before the accident, maintenance had been performed on the main and nose landing gear scissors assemblies. This maintenance involved the removal and replacement of worn bushings.

Probable cause

Failure of the left main landing gear torque link assembly (scissors assembly) part number 5141005-7.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020314X00342. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.