Probable cause
The uncommanded retraction of the right main landing gear hydraulic actuator strut for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was executing a full-stop landing, prior to which he had confirmed the illumination of the three green "gear-down" lights. Although the touchdown was uneventful, during the landing roll the right main landing gear actuator shaft retracted into its housing, resulting in the retraction of the right main landing gear into its wheel well. The airplane then departed the runway and impacted the adjacent runway lights. A series of postaccident inspections and tests were unable to determine what anomaly or malfunction initiated the retraction of the actuator shaft.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA171 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 29, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Salt Lake City International (KSLC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 550
- N-number
- N44FR
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Executive or corporate
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.