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Right Main Gear Separation Forces Crew to Return to Pittsburgh, Resulting in Damage (N5844)

Pittsburgh-Intl, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 20, 1971, a Convair CV-580 (registration N5844) operated by Allegheny Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Pittsburgh-Intl, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right main gear lower assembly separated at Parkersburg Airport after a worn lock pin in the upper bearing sheared. The crew diverted to Pittsburgh. Failure of the landing gear, main gear-shock absorbing, assy, struts, attachments, etc. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial aircraft experienced right main gear separation during landing at Parkersburg, West Virginia. The crew diverted to Pittsburgh, where the left main gear collapsed during touchdown. All 53 occupants escaped uninjured; the aircraft was beyond repair.

Incident

A commercial aircraft operating a flight from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati with an intermediate stop at Parkersburg, West Virginia, encountered technical problems with its right main gear upon landing at Parkersburg Airport. The captain increased engine power and decided to return to Pittsburgh-Greater Pittsburgh Airport for a safe landing.

Sequence of Events

During touchdown on runway 28R at Pittsburgh, the right main gear was missing its wheels. The aircraft deviated from the centerline to the right when the left main gear also collapsed. The airplane came to rest on the runway and was damaged beyond repair. All 53 occupants, including crew members Captain Robert Raines and two others, escaped uninjured.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause states: "The right main gear lower assembly separated at Parkersburg Airport after a worn lock pin in the upper bearing sheared. The crew diverted to Pittsburgh. Failure of the landing gear, main gear-shock absorbing, assy, struts, attachments, etc."

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Aug 1971 Convair CV-580 accident near Pittsburgh-Intl, United States of America?

A commercial aircraft experienced right main gear separation during landing at Parkersburg, West Virginia. The crew diverted to Pittsburgh, where the left main gear collapsed during touchdown. All 53 occupants escaped uninjured; the aircraft was beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Aug 1971 Convair CV-580 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Aug 1971 involved a Convair CV-580, registration N5844, operated by Allegheny Airlines, at Pittsburgh-Intl, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The right main gear lower assembly separated at Parkersburg Airport after a worn lock pin in the upper bearing sheared. The crew diverted to Pittsburgh. Failure of the landing gear, main gear-shock absorbing, assy, struts, attachments, etc.

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