Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 402C near Nantucket, MA — 2009-04-27

Final reportERA09IA267
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Date
2009-04-27
Location
Nantucket, MA, USA
Airport
ACK
Aircraft
CESSNA 402C
Registration
N769EA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Installation of an improper bearing in the landing gear actuator.

NTSB narrative

The pilot lowered the landing gear and the left main landing gear would not extend. He recycled the landing gear and completed the checklist items with negative results. The left landing gear subsequently collapsed during the landing roll out. A landing gear retraction test was conducted and the failure was duplicated. The extend inlet port for the up lock actuator was then removed for inspection. A small ball bearing was in the wrong position with respect to the larger ball bearing. The smaller ball bearing jumped the larger ball bearing causing a blockage. The up lock actuator and the main gear actuator were removed and examined at an authorized repair facility. Disassembly of the up lock actuator confirmed the initial finding, and revealed that the smaller ball bearing was too small. The main gear actuator was tested and was within manual limits. The operator stated that the up lock actuators are a condition item. The mechanic who performed the last inspection stated that he did not replace any bearings. The investigation could not determine who replaced the bearings or when they were replaced.

NTSB coding

  • Landing gear collapse · Landing-flare/touchdown
  • Maintenance
View NTSB final report

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