Left main landing gear collapse during night landing

Casualties unknown • MC Allen, TX, US

An aircraft experienced a left main gear collapse after the pilot failed to confirm the landing gear was locked following a manual extension.

What happened

During a night flight, the aircraft experienced a partial loss of electrical power while en-route. The pilot attempted to use the electrical system to extend the landing gear, but the gear failed to deploy. While established on a right downwind for the runway, the pilot performed a manual extension of the landing gear. However, the pilot did not receive the three green annunciator lights required to confirm that the landing gear was fully extended and locked.

Because radio communications were unavailable, air traffic control provided landing clearance using a steady green light gun signal. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear collapsed. This caused the aircraft to exit the runway and strike a runway sign. The aircraft then spun 180 degrees before coming to rest in an upright position.

Findings

The investigation found that the cause of the partial loss of electrical power was not determined.

Probable cause

The collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing roll after the pilot failed to confirm the gear was locked following a manual extension.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-01-04 Cessna 401 accident near MC Allen, TX?

An aircraft experienced a left main gear collapse after the pilot failed to confirm the landing gear was locked following a manual extension.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-01-04 involved a Cessna 401, registration N968JW, operated by International Air Services, at MC Allen, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing roll after the pilot failed to confirm the gear was locked following a manual extension.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030109X00038. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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