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."