Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 402B near Fort Lauderdale, FL — 2012-02-16

Final reportERA12IA187
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Date
2012-02-16
Location
Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Airport
FLL
Aircraft
CESSNA 402B
Registration
N402GZ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The overload fracture of the right main landing gear bellcrank and a securing bolt, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear.

NTSB narrative

After takeoff, the pilot proceeded toward a nearby airport, but he elected to return to the departure airport because he was unable to establish two-way communications with the air traffic control facility at the destination airport. The pilot extended the landing gear normally and noted three green lights indicating the landing gear was down and locked. After a normal touchdown while applying the brakes, the right wing slowly lowered. Postincident examination of the airplane revealed that the right bellcrank assembly and the bolt that secures the assembly to the landing gear trunnion were fractured. Examination of the fractured parts revealed features consistent with overload separation and no evidence of preexisting cracks or corrosion. The reason for the overload separation was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land at the nearby airport instead of returning.

NTSB coding

  • Landing gear collapse · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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