Casualties unknown

2002-03-23: Cessna 340 (C-FFZJ) — Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. — Idaho Falls, ID

Idaho Falls, ID, US

On March 23, 2002, a Cessna 340 (registration C-FFZJ) operated by Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. was involved in an aviation accident near Idaho Falls, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The overload of the right main landing gear bellcrank, adjustable end fitting and clevis ears resulting in fractures and the subsequent gear collapse. 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

A Canadian-registered Cessna 340 experienced a right main landing gear collapse on landing at an unspecified airport. The pilot reported gusty winds at touchdown. Post-crash examination revealed overload fractures in the bellcrank assembly.

Incident Details

The pilot of a Canadian-registered Cessna 340 reported that after touching down on runway 20, the right main landing gear began to collapse as the aircraft settled onto the main gear. The aircraft came to rest on the runway with the right gear collapsed.

Landing Conditions

The pilot reported winds at the time of landing as 10 degrees right of the nose at 13 knots, gusting to 17–18 knots. The closest weather observation, taken 16 minutes before the accident, indicated winds from 210 degrees magnetic at 14 knots.

Aircraft and Occupants

The aircraft was a twin-engine Cessna 340 with Canadian registration. There were six occupants on board. The total weight of the aircraft at touchdown was not determined.

Post-Crash Examination

A visual examination of the fracture surfaces of the right main landing gear bellcrank assembly (upper end), the adjustable end fitting (side brace lock), and the bellcrank clevis ears was conducted. The separation surfaces exhibited a grainy appearance, consistent with 45-degree or cup-and-cone fracture patterns. No fatigue striations were observed, and the features were consistent with overload separation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020329X00424. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.