Landing gear failure during approach to Wellington Airport

No fatalities • Blenheim, New Zealand • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a left main landing gear malfunction during its final approach to Wellington, resulting in a diversion and subsequent gear collapse upon landing at Blenheim.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward Wellington Airport, the flight crew initiated the landing gear extension sequence. While the gear was successfully selected, the left main landing gear failed to reach its locked position. Recognizing the mechanical irregularity, the crew opted to divert the flight to Blenheim Airport to perform an emergency landing.

Upon arriving at Blenheim and touching down on runway 25, the structural integrity of the landing gear was compromised. The left main gear collapsed during the landing roll, causing the aircraft to come to a stop on the runway. There were no injuries reported among the two pilots on board following the incident.

Findings

  • The primary issue involved a failure of the left main gear to lock down following the crew's command to extend the landing gear.

Probable cause

The left main landing gear failed to transition into the locked position during the approach sequence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-04-01 Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy accident near Blenheim, New Zealand?

An aircraft experienced a left main landing gear malfunction during its final approach to Wellington, resulting in a diversion and subsequent gear collapse upon landing at Blenheim.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-04-01 Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-04-01 involved a Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy, registration ZK-SAF, operated by Safe Air, at Blenheim, New Zealand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The left main landing gear failed to transition into the locked position during the approach sequence.

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