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 analysis
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12IA187 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 16, 2012
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Fort Lauderale/Hollywood Intl (FLL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 402B
- N-number
- N402GZ
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.