A CRJ900 right strut had structural damage after a normal landing which resulted in violent shaking and pulling right but the aircraft remained on the runway.
Synopsis
A CRJ900 right strut had structural damage after a normal landing which resulted in violent shaking and pulling right but the aircraft remained on the runway.
Narrative
After a normal approach and smooth landing the aircraft began to shudder quite violently seconds after the nose wheel touched down. The shaking seemed to be coming from the right main gear and we initially thought we had a blown tire or a brake malfunction. First Officer was the pilot flying and was able to maintain directional control even though the aircraft was pulling to the right. We notified the Tower that we had an issue and I was able to take control around 70 KIAS and taxi clear of the Runway on taxiway S. Once clear I set the parking brake and requested Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighters to inspect possible damage and verify that we did not have a brake fire. I then addressed the passengers. I informed them that we believed we may have blown a tire and to remain seated with their seat belts fastened while we wait for airport authorities to inspect the aircraft. After about 20 minutes Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighters informed us that we had major structural damage to the right main; no fire and there had been some initial smoke that had dissipated. We then made the decision not to move the aircraft and bus the passengers via bus to the terminal. We made a normal deplaning via main cabin door to two awaiting busses. The aircraft was left in the landing configuration as instructed by our maintenance department and we terminated the flight. Airport Operations was able to drive us down the runway to view what looked like 1;000 FT scalloped skid marks from our right main outboard tire.
Second reporter narrative
As the nose wheel settled after a normal touch down the aircraft started to shake violently. Along with the shaking the aircraft wanted to yaw to the right. It took some rudder to keep it near the center of the runway but I don't recall having to use any differential braking. After the Captain took over controls I let ATC know we were having some problems. ATC offered to send the trucks our way and we took them up on it. Once we stopped we had the trucks come and take a look at what was wrong on the right side of the plane and to make sure there was no fire danger. They advised us there was some damage and smoke but no fire or burst tires. This incident seemed to be caused by the failure of the right main landing gear strut.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.