Pilot Debrief

BEECH 76 near San Carlos, CA — 2011-12-02

Final reportWPR12LA052
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Date
2011-12-02
Location
San Carlos, CA, USA
Airport
SQL
Aircraft
BEECH 76
Registration
N23852
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The collapse of the right main landing gear during the turn off the runway due to the failure of the A-frame assembly.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the tower controller notified him that the right main landing gear did not appear to fully retract. The pilot did a low fly-by over the runway, and the tower controller reported that all three landing gear appeared to be fully extended. The pilot then departed the area to another airport. While on approach for landing, the pilot selected the gear down. The left and nose landing gear indication lights illuminated; however, the right did not. The pilot tested the light bulb and performed an emergency gear extension that was unsuccessful. During a low approach, tower personnel reported that the landing gear appeared to be in the down position. The pilot was subsequently cleared to land, and during the landing roll, everything appeared normal except the right gear light was still not on. The pilot reported that after touchdown he cautiously slowed the airplane to almost a complete stop before turning off the runway. During the turn, the right main landing gear collapsed. A postaccident visual examination of the gear revealed that the A-frame assembly failed in what appeared to be in overload at the top/forward attach point.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a go-around instead of landing with gear issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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