Narrative:
The Metro III prototype aircraft departed San Antonio (SAT) on a routine test flight to evaluate a prototype propeller design. The gear were retracted after lift-off, but the right main showed 'unsafe'. A visual check by the co-pilot showed that the gear was up and doors were closed tight. After completing the planned tests, aircraft returned and began the approach, but the right main failed to extend. Several hours were spent burning off excess fuel and trying all means to get the gear down without success. It was finally decided to land with all gear up and both props feathered to minimize damage.
Forced landing on runway
accident date: ??-04-1980
type: Swearingen SA226-AT Metro III
registration: N5498M
accident date: ??-04-1980
type: Swearingen SA226-AT Metro III
registration: N5498M
| Status: | 5 |
| Date: | xx APR 1980 |
| Type: |  Swearingen SA226-AT Metro III |
| Operator: | Fairchild |
| Registration: | N5498M |
| MSN: | AT-070 |
| First flight: | 1979 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: |
| Aircraft damage: | Minor |
| Aircraft fate: | Repaired |
| Location: | San Antonio International Airport, TX (SAT) ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Landing (LDG) |
| Nature: | Test |
| Departure airport: | San Antonio International Airport, TX (SAT/KSAT), United States of America |
| San Antonio International Airport, TX (SAT/KSAT), United States of America |
The Metro III prototype aircraft departed San Antonio (SAT) on a routine test flight to evaluate a prototype propeller design. The gear were retracted after lift-off, but the right main showed 'unsafe'. A visual check by the co-pilot showed that the gear was up and doors were closed tight. After completing the planned tests, aircraft returned and began the approach, but the right main failed to extend. Several hours were spent burning off excess fuel and trying all means to get the gear down without success. It was finally decided to land with all gear up and both props feathered to minimize damage.
Classification:
Gear-up landingForced landing on runway
Sources:
» E-mail from Hollis M. Kimball, 27-6-2006Photos
accident date: ??-04-1980
type: Swearingen SA226-AT Metro III
registration: N5498M
accident date: ??-04-1980
type: Swearingen SA226-AT Metro III
registration: N5498M
Map
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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