What happened
On July 3, 2014, a Cessna 402B, registration CX-JYN, was operating a flight from Montevideo, Uruguay, to Florianópolis, Brazil. During the approach to Florianópolis International Airport (SBFL), the crew noticed that the landing gear down-and-locked indicator for the right gear remained unlit. After attempting several gear extension cycles and following emergency procedures, the crew requested to land on the secondary runway (Runway 03) to avoid blocking the main runway in the event of a gear collapse.
As a precaution, the crew shut down the right engine on short final. During the landing roll, the right landing gear unexpectedly retracted. This caused the right propeller to strike the ground, leading the aircraft to veer to the right and exit the runway onto a grassy area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine, propeller, wing, aileron, and flaps, as well as damage to a runway pylon. All six occupants—two pilots and four passengers—were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the landing gear assembly. The investigation identified a fracture in the Tube Assy-Aert Push-Pull component of the right landing gear. Laboratory analysis conducted by DCTA determined that the component had suffered an overload fracture. It was determined that this fracture likely occurred while the aircraft was on the ground, as the gear was not properly locked in the down position.
Furthermore, the investigation reviewed maintenance records and subsequent repair activities. Investigators found that during a replacement of the fractured component following the accident, the maintenance team failed to consult the official Cessna 401/402 Service Manual. Instead of using the specified adjustment of 34.8 inches, the mechanics used the broken component as a template to set the dimensions for the new part.