Narrative:
The Falcon 20 had a night stop at Port-Harcourt (PHC), and departed at 06:37 UTC Lagos (LOS). The takeoff was normal, but after passing 1500ft when carrying out the "after takeoff" checks the crew noted that there was a red landing gear warning light indicating that the left main landing gear was not properly closed.
The crew recycled the landing gear twice but the problem persisted. A third recycling was carried out with the landing flaps extended to 10 degrees. After this, the warning light went off and the flight continued normally cruising at FL220.
The aircraft commenced its initial descent at about 07:15 UTC. The aircraft was cleared for an ILS approach to runway 19R. Close to the localiser intercept, the gears were lowered and the landing gear indicators showed that the left main gear was not deployed. The landing gears were recycled, but to no avail. The crew then proceeded to the area west of the field, climbed to 5000ft and carried out the "Emergency and Abnormal checklist"-Landing gear will not extend (Procedure B). Numerous attempts of this procedure were made but the left main gear failed to lock down.
The crew then carried out a low fly past for a visual observation of the landing gears. The crew also tried side-slipping the aircraft to shake the left landing gear down, but with no positive result.
An emergency was declared and after burning the fuel in the main tanks and the landing was made with the two gears extended. The aircraft touched down and veered to the left side of the runway and ran into the runway shoulder.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The accident was caused by the fatigue failure of the door actuator bellcrank of the left main landing gear due to an improper rigging of the door actuator push rod in the door mechanism."
Runway mishap
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Tuesday 5 September 1995 |
| Time: | 09:40 |
| Type: |  Dassault Falcon 20F |
| Operator: | Aerocontractors Company of Nigeria |
| Registration: | 5N-EPN |
| MSN: | 273 |
| First flight: | 1972 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 9957 |
| Engines: | 2 General Electric CF700-2D2 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 8 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 11 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Aircraft fate: | Repaired |
| Location: | Lagos-Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) ( Nigeria)
|
| Phase: | Landing (LDG) |
| Nature: | Executive |
| Departure airport: | Port Harcourt Airport (PHC/DNPO), Nigeria |
| Lagos-Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS/DNMM), Nigeria |
The Falcon 20 had a night stop at Port-Harcourt (PHC), and departed at 06:37 UTC Lagos (LOS). The takeoff was normal, but after passing 1500ft when carrying out the "after takeoff" checks the crew noted that there was a red landing gear warning light indicating that the left main landing gear was not properly closed.
The crew recycled the landing gear twice but the problem persisted. A third recycling was carried out with the landing flaps extended to 10 degrees. After this, the warning light went off and the flight continued normally cruising at FL220.
The aircraft commenced its initial descent at about 07:15 UTC. The aircraft was cleared for an ILS approach to runway 19R. Close to the localiser intercept, the gears were lowered and the landing gear indicators showed that the left main gear was not deployed. The landing gears were recycled, but to no avail. The crew then proceeded to the area west of the field, climbed to 5000ft and carried out the "Emergency and Abnormal checklist"-Landing gear will not extend (Procedure B). Numerous attempts of this procedure were made but the left main gear failed to lock down.
The crew then carried out a low fly past for a visual observation of the landing gears. The crew also tried side-slipping the aircraft to shake the left landing gear down, but with no positive result.
An emergency was declared and after burning the fuel in the main tanks and the landing was made with the two gears extended. The aircraft touched down and veered to the left side of the runway and ran into the runway shoulder.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The accident was caused by the fatigue failure of the door actuator bellcrank of the left main landing gear due to an improper rigging of the door actuator push rod in the door mechanism."
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
Gear-up landingRunway mishap
Follow-up / safety actions
AIB Nigeria issued 2 Safety Recommendations
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Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Port Harcourt Airport to Lagos-Murtala Muhammed International Airport as the crow flies is 435 km (272 miles).
Distance from Port Harcourt Airport to Lagos-Murtala Muhammed International Airport as the crow flies is 435 km (272 miles).
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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