Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW98LA201

GREYBULL, WY, USA

Aircraft #1

N3316Q

Cessna 320D

Analysis

After landing, the pilot turned the airplane around and back taxied towards the ramp. As he exited the runway, the left landing gear collapsed. Postaccident inspection revealed that the left landing gear bellcrank assembly sustained a stress overload, causing the assembly to break and shear both assembly bolts. The gear retract arm was also found broken. When the gear collapsed, the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer struck the ground and were substantially damaged.

Factual Information

On May 1, 1998, approximately 0900 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 320D, N3316Q, operated by Star West Industries, Inc., was substantially damaged while taxiing after landing at Greybull, Wyoming. The airline transport rated pilot and his four passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the air taxi flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 135, and an IFR flight had been filed. The flight originated at Evanston, Wyoming approximately 0745. After landing on runway 33 at South Bighorn County Airport, the pilot turned the airplane around and back taxied towards the ramp. As he exited the runway, the left landing gear collapsed. Postaccident inspection of the landing gear performed by an FAA inspector revealed that the left landing gear bellcrank assembly sustained a stress overload, causing the assembly to break and shear both assembly bolts. The gear retract arm was also found broken. When the gear collapsed, the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer struck the ground and were substantially damaged.

Probable Cause and Findings

Stress overload failure of the bellcrank assembly of the left landing gear.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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