What happened
On March 4, 2026, a Cessna 551, registration N228MH, was performing a post-maintenance test flight following an avionics upgrade. The flight was being operated under Part 91 regulations. The flight crew, consisting of two pilots and three passengers, experienced no injuries during the accident.
During an ILS approach to Opa-locka, Florida, the second-in-command extended the landing gear and noted that the red cockpit indication light for the right main landing gear (RMLG) remained illuminated. A warning horn sounded upon full flap extension, and the second-in-command observed that the RMLG appeared slightly misaligned.
The pilot-in-command executed a missed approach and requested vectors for a second ILS approach to troubleshoot the issue. The crew performed the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedure for "Landing Gear Will Not Extend," which included using the blow-down bottle, but the red indication light persisted. During a subsequent low approach, tower personnel reported that the gear appeared extended.
Following a go-around and a visual approach, the crew landed on a runway with emergency vehicles on standby. While the left main landing gear touched down first, the right main landing gear collapsed approximately two seconds later. The aircraft remained upright but sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The investigation
Following the recovery of the aircraft, an FAA inspector observed three landing gear extension and retraction tests. During these tests, the nose landing gear and left main landing gear functioned normally. While the RMLG retracted as expected, it only extended to approximately a 45-degree position. The RMLG actuator was retained for further examination.