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Hard Landing Leads to Right Main Landing Gear Collapse and Fuel Leak (N779BC)

Gillette, WY, US

On December 8, 2006, a Fairchild SA227BC (registration N779BC) operated by Key Lime Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Gillette, WY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: wind shear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, the co-pilot reduced power, causing loss of airspeed and lift. The captain called for more power and a go-around, but a hard touchdown occurred, collapsing the right main landing gear strut and causing a fuel leak from the left engine wheel well.

Incident Details

The co-pilot was flying the airplane from the right seat and was landing. He reduced power, and the airplane lost airspeed and lift. The captain called for more power, and the co-pilot complied. The captain then called for a go-around, took control, and applied full power, but not before the airplane made a hard touchdown.

Subsequent Actions

After the hard landing, the captain brought the airplane around and made a full stop landing.

Damage Examination

Examination of the airplane revealed that the right main landing gear strut assembly had collapsed, and fuel was leaking from the left engine wheel well.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, the wind was reported as 230 degrees at 17 knots.

Pilot Statements

In his written statement, the captain said he believed the hard touchdown was due to wind shear.

Weather

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Dec 2006 Fairchild SA227BC accident near Gillette, WY?

During landing, the co-pilot reduced power, causing loss of airspeed and lift. The captain called for more power and a go-around, but a hard touchdown occurred, collapsing the right main landing gear strut and causing a fuel leak from the left engine wheel well.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Dec 2006 Fairchild SA227BC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Dec 2006 involved a Fairchild SA227BC, registration N779BC, operated by Key Lime Air, Inc., at Gillette, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

wind shear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061219X01806. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.