Probable cause
The failure of the left main landing gear torque link assembly for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that following a normal takeoff he retracted the landing gear and noticed excessive drag. The pilot performed a low pass over the runway and ground-based witnesses observed that the right main landing gear appeared "twisted." The pilot then proceeded to his intended destination airport with emergency services and executed a gear up landing in gravel just short of the runway. Postaccident examination revealed that the left-hand main landing gear torque link upper attach fitting had fractured and the fracture surfaces exhibited an angular jagged matte, consistent with overload. The reason for the failure of the left main landing gear torque link assembly was undetermined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08LA086 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 26, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Henderson, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Henderson Executive Airport (HND)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 402
- N-number
- N4010Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.