Pilot Debrief

Beech A100 near Latrobe, PA — 2019-03-12

Final reportERA19LA123
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Date
2019-03-12
Location
Latrobe, PA, USA
Airport
LBE
Aircraft
Beech A100
Registration
N945WS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A landing gear collapse due to the separation of the actuator pinion bearing support from the actuator, which resulted in the failure of the actuator shaft.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, while lowering the landing gear handle in preparation for landing, he and the co-pilot heard a crunching noise. He noticed that the landing gear indicator lights did not turn green, and the crew was unable to extend the gear manually. The crew diverted to an airport with emergency equipment and a control tower. Following a fly-by, the tower controller reported that the landing gear appeared to be extended; however, during the landing roll, the left main landing gear collapsed, followed by the right main landing gear, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. Examination of the airplane revealed that the main landing gear mechanical linkage was compromised, and the right main landing gear actuator shaft was broken. A mechanic examined the airplane and found that the actuator pinion bearing support had separated from the actuator for undetermined reasons, causing a side load to the actuator and initiating the fracture.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for an emergency landing at FWQ instead of circling.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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