Probable cause
The collapse of the right main landing gear due to failure of the landing gear rotary selector valve seal.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that following an uneventful takeoff, the landing gear malfunctioned when he attempted to retract it. After several attempts, the landing gear retracted, and he performed his race course qualifying lap. Upon exiting the closed race course, he attempted to extend the landing gear. Following multiple attempts, the landing gear appeared to be down. The right main landing gear warning light was illuminated, and the pilot executed a precautionary landing. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane exited the right side of the runway and came to rest upright. Examination of the airplane revealed that the landing gear rotary selector valve seal had failed, which allowed hydraulic pressure to bypass the landing gear. The bypass in hydraulic pressure would preclude the landing gear system from operating normally.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA422 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 11, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Reno, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Reno Stead Airport (RTS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hawker MK 11 SEA FURY
- N-number
- N4434P
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Air show
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.