Left main landing gear collapse during landing

Casualties unknown • Hobbs, NM, US

A pilot elected to land with an unsafe gear indication after a light failed to illuminate, resulting in a left main gear collapse and runway excursion.

What happened

During the approach phase of flight, the pilot attempted to extend the landing gear by moving the handle to the down position. However, the left main landing gear down indicator light failed to illuminate. After notifying air traffic control, the pilot performed a go-around and attempted to cycle the landing gear handle again, but the indication remained unchanged.

In an attempt to verify the status of the gear, the pilot reduced engine power during the final approach to check for the presence of an unsafe gear audible warning. Because the warning did not sound, the pilot decided to proceed with the landing despite the indicator light failure. The pilot requested that tower controllers visually confirm the position of the gear, and the controllers reported that the gear appeared to be down.

Upon touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft subsequently departed the side of the runway and struck a taxiway sign, causing substantial damage to the airplane. There were no injuries reported in this incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land with an unsafe gear indication after the left main landing gear down indicator light failed to illuminate.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-09-10 Cessna 402B accident near Hobbs, NM?

A pilot elected to land with an unsafe gear indication after a light failed to illuminate, resulting in a left main gear collapse and runway excursion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-09-10 involved a Cessna 402B, registration N402BF, operated by Aero Charter And Transport, at Hobbs, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to land with an unsafe gear indication after the left main landing gear down indicator light failed to illuminate.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070911X01377. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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