Incident Overview
Description
During the approach to Topeka Airport the crew was unable to extend the left gear. The crew diverted to Kansas City, and after many unsuccessful attempts to lower the left gear elected to land wheels-up. The left main gear was jammed into the gear doors. The aft hinge bolt was missing from the left inboard gear door, allowing the gear door to shift just enough to jam the gear as it started to extend. 17 days prior to the accident the loose aft hinge was noted during preflight. Company maintenance was unable to retorque the bolt due to the nut plate attachment rivets being stripped. This item was being carried as a delayed discrepancy. These parts can only be lubricated before installation. The entire assembly is almost impossible to inspect, remove, lubricate, install, torque and safety replacement of the nut plate is considered a major undertaking the manufacturer stated that “short cycling” the gear as many as 18 times would eventually break open the gear doors. This emergency method of extending the gear had not been disseminated to all operators. PROBABLE CAUSE: landing gear,normal retraction/extension assembly..jammed landing gear,main gear..movement restricted door,landing gear..assembly door,landing gear..loose door,landing gear..disconnected maintenance,replacement..not performed..company maintenance personnel CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: acft/equip,inadequate airframe..manufacturer information insufficient..manufacturer
Primary Cause
Landing gear, main gear, movement restricted assembly door, landing gear, assembly door, landing gear, loose door, landing gear, disconnected maintenance, replacement.Landing gear, main gear, movement restricted assembly door, landing gear, assembly door, landing gear, loose door, landing gear, disconnected maintenance, replacement.Share on:
