Landing gear collapse following engine failure on Boeing 747

No fatalities • New York-JFK, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A Boeing 747 experienced a right main landing gear collapse during the landing roll after an emergency return following an engine failure.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the number two engine of a Boeing 747 experienced a failure. The flight crew successfully executed the necessary shutdown procedures for the malfunctioning engine and declared an emergency to request a return to the departure airport. During the approach, the crew was forced to perform a go-around because air traffic control had instructed a different B-747 to hold at the runway threshold.

During the subsequent landing attempt, the first officer acted as the pilot flying. After the aircraft made a smooth touchdown and decelerated to approximately 80 knots, the captain assumed control of the aircraft. Shortly after this transition, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to slide along the runway until it reached a complete stop. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported in this incident.

Findings

Investigation into the engine failure revealed significant wear on the main fuel pump main drive shaft, which had worn down to the spline root. It was discovered that the grease applied to the main drive shaft output splines was not the specific type authorized by the required maintenance manuals. Furthermore, the magnetic seal compression O-ring was found to be hardened and displayed axial cracks on its inner diameter.

Regarding the landing gear failure, the right main landing gear assembly suffered a fracture of the trunnion bearing support fitting. This structural failure was attributed to fatigue cracking and stress corrosion cracking.

Probable cause

The landing gear collapse was caused by a fracture in the trunnion bearing support fitting due to fatigue and stress corrosion cracking.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-08-31 Boeing 727-200 accident near New York-JFK, United States of America?

A Boeing 747 experienced a right main landing gear collapse during the landing roll after an emergency return following an engine failure.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-08-31 Boeing 727-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-08-31 involved a Boeing 727-200, registration N722DH, operated by DHL Worldwide Express - DHL Airways, at New York-JFK, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The landing gear collapse was caused by a fracture in the trunnion bearing support fitting due to fatigue and stress corrosion cracking.

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