Casualties unknown

2002-12-14: Beech 200 (N623VP) — Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville, FL, US

On December 14, 2002, a Beech 200 (registration N623VP) was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the main landing gear locking mechanism for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the main landing gear collapsing, and damage to the airplane during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb, the landing gear failed to retract fully. Emergency landing resulted in collapse of both main landing gear. Investigation found extensive damage and no record of mandatory service bulletin completion.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported that during the initial climb, after activating the landing gear lever to retract the landing gear, the gear did not retract fully. The flight crew then performed the emergency checklist in an attempt to correct the problem, but were unsuccessful. During the subsequent emergency landing, as the airplane rolled out and slowed, the right main landing gear collapsed, followed by the left main landing gear. The nose gear remained extended throughout the event.

Damage

FAA inspectors who responded to the accident documented extensive damage to the main landing gear system. Specifically, both main landing gear shafts were bent. The left main landing gear actuator had dislodged from its mount at the spar web. The right main landing gear actuator mounting bracket had torn from the spar web, and the mounting flange for that bracket had torn at its attaching points.

Examination

An FAA licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic examined the aircraft. The mechanic found that the actuator nut assemblies were bent, but it could not be determined whether this damage existed prior to the accident. Additionally, a review of the airplane's maintenance logbooks revealed no record of Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-3433 having been completed. The landing gear actuators were removed and sent to Kelley Aerospace in Wichita, Kansas, for a detailed examination. That examination did not reveal any anomalies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021226X05635. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.