On July 8, 1974, an Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy (registration N894U) operated by Duncan Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Point Hope, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The primary landing gear failed due to structural degradation from fatigue and stress corrosion cracking. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A landing gear collapse during arrival at Point Hope Airport resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway, though no injuries were reported.
What happened
During an approach to Point Hope Airport, a landing gear malfunction occurred as the aircraft touched down. The failure of one of the primary landing gear components caused the plane to lose stability on the runway surface. As a result of the collapse, the aircraft slid along the ground and eventually drifted off the paved runway area before coming to a complete stop.
Despite the impact of the incident, all three crew members were able to exit the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. While there were no human casualties, the structural damage sustained by the plane was severe enough that the aircraft was declared a total loss and deemed beyond repair.
Findings
Investigations into the mechanical failure determined that the collapse of the landing gear was caused by fatigue fracture and stress corrosion cracking within the component.
Probable cause
The primary landing gear failed due to structural degradation from fatigue and stress corrosion cracking.