Probable cause
The Center Landing gear (CLG) strut failed due to intergranular (IG) cracking resulted from a contamination of the surface from the chemical used to clean that area prior to painting.
NTSB analysis
During a pre-flight walk around of a MD-11, a oil leak was found underneath the Center Landing gear (CLG) Strut. Examination of the CLG Cylinder confirmed that there a longitudinal crack along the aft side of the cylinder. Metallurgical examine revealed that the failure of the cylinder was due to intergranular cracking caused by contamination of the surface from the chemical used to clean that area prior to painting.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ENG08IA025 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 27, 2008
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Singapore, SG
- Nearest airport
- Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
- Highest injury
- None
Boeing MD-11
- N-number
- N595FE
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 121 (airline)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.