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NTSB Report
November 13, 1990 · Cessna 404 · N54SA
Pittsburgh, PA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 13, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Aircraft
Cessna 404
Tail Number
N54SA
Operator
Superior Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC91LA027
THE CESSNA 404 OPERATING ON A CARGO FLIGHT TOUCHED DOWN AND THE NOSE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED. THE FAA EXAMINED THE AIRPLANE AND FOUND THE ATTACH POINTS FOR THE NOSE LANDING GEAR RETRACTION CYLINDER HAD RIPPED OUT. THE BOLT HOLES SHOWED SIGNS OF WORKING AND WERE WORN. IN ADDITION, THEY REPORTED THE MAINTENANCE MANUAL REFERENCE TO THE AREA IS GENERAL IN NATURE. THE LOCATION OF THE FAILURE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO VIEW DURING INSPECTION DUE TO LIMITED ACCESS.
NTSB Probable Cause
A FAILURE OF NOSE LANDING GEAR RETRACTION CYLINDER ATTACH POINTS WHICH ALLOWED THE NOSE LANDING GEAR TO COLLAPSE.
Full Narrative
THE CESSNA 404 OPERATING ON A CARGO FLIGHT TOUCHED DOWN AND THE NOSE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED. THE FAA EXAMINED THE AIRPLANE AND FOUND THE ATTACH POINTS FOR THE NOSE LANDING GEAR RETRACTION CYLINDER HAD RIPPED OUT. THE BOLT HOLES SHOWED SIGNS OF WORKING AND WERE WORN. IN ADDITION, THEY REPORTED THE MAINTENANCE MANUAL REFERENCE TO THE AREA IS GENERAL IN NATURE. THE LOCATION OF THE FAILURE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO VIEW DURING INSPECTION DUE TO LIMITED ACCESS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:19 EST
Nearest AirportPittsburgh (0nm N)
Runway28R
Runway Length10502 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 404
Tail NumberN54SA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSuperior Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · GTSIO-520-M · Reciprocating · 375
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind290° @ 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 19 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO