Casualties unknown

Right Main Landing Gear Fails to Extend; Aircraft Lands with Left Gear and Nose Gear (N402ET)

Galena, AK, US

On November 13, 2003, a Cessna 402 (registration N402ET) operated by Arctic Air Service Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Galena, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Water contamination and freezing of the landing gear actuator that prevented the extension of the right main landing gear, resulting in a gear-up landing. 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 multiengine airplane's right main landing gear failed to extend. The pilot performed emergency procedures but landed with left and nose gear; right wing contacted runway.

Incident Description

The pilot, who held an airline transport certificate, was preparing to land a multiengine, retractable gear airplane. Upon lowering the landing gear, the cockpit provided no indication that the right main landing gear had extended. The pilot executed the emergency gear extension procedures, which included activating the emergency blow-down system, but the right main gear remained retracted.

Subsequently, the pilot landed the airplane with only the left main landing gear and nose gear extended. During the landing roll, the pilot shut down the right engine. As the airplane decelerated, the right wing and fuselage contacted the runway surface.

Postaccident Examination

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed scraping and scuffing damage to the underside of the right wing and aileron. The right main landing gear strut was found fully compressed. The gear extension and retraction components appeared undamaged.

The operator's maintenance personnel reported that proposed repairs to the airplane included removal and replacement of the right wingtip, aileron, and flap, as well as patching of the fuselage skin.

Further Findings

An FAA inspector reported that during a subsequent examination of the landing gear, the right gear hydraulic actuator was found contaminated with water. The temperature at the accident location was -2 degrees Fahrenheit. The inspector indicated that the actuator was probably frozen.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031203X01983. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.