Landing gear failure causes damage to Norécrin I at Colombier

Casualties unknown • Neuchâtel Aérodrome (LSGN), NE, CH

A Norécrin I aircraft experienced a landing gear collapse during its landing roll at Colombier aerodrome in October 1963.

What happened

On the afternoon of October 19, 1963, a Norécrin I, registration HB-HOI, was performing a flight from the Eplatures aerodrome to Colombier. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and one passenger, touched down at the Colombier aerodrome at 17:40 local time.

As the aircraft was decelerating during the landing roll, the left leg of the landing gear suddenly collapsed. The incident resulted in material damage to the aircraft, though the cost of repairs was estimated to be less than 5% of the total value of the plane. There were no injuries reported during the event.

Findings

The investigation determined that the structural failure was caused by a fatigue fracture within the shock absorber piston.

Probable cause

The collapse of the left landing gear leg was caused by a fatigue-induced break in the shock absorber piston.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1963-10-19 SNCAN (SOCIÉTÉ NATIONALE DE CONSTRUCTIONS AÉRONAUTIQUES DU NORD) NORD 1203 II accident near Neuchâtel Aérodrome (LSGN), NE, CH?

A Norécrin I aircraft experienced a landing gear collapse during its landing roll at Colombier aerodrome in October 1963.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1963-10-19 involved a SNCAN (SOCIÉTÉ NATIONALE DE CONSTRUCTIONS AÉRONAUTIQUES DU NORD) NORD 1203 II, registration HB-HOI, at Neuchâtel Aérodrome (LSGN), NE, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the left landing gear leg was caused by a fatigue-induced break in the shock absorber piston.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/156.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.

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