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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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June 30, 1982 · Cessna R182 · N7333X

Fresno, CA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 30, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fresno, CA
Aircraft
Cessna R182
Tail Number
N7333X
Operator
Earl W Wells
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX82DA239

WHEN THE LANDING GEAR WAS EXTENDED TO DEMONSTRATE AN APPROACH-TO-LANDING STALL, THERE WAS NO SAFE INDICATION. THE GEAR WAS RECYCLED BUT THE NOSE GEAR WOULD NOT EXTEND. ALL ATTEMPTS TO EXTEND THE NOSE GEAR, INCLUDING THE USE OF THE EMERGENCY EXTENSION HAND PUMP, WERE TO NO AVAIL. THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT ELECTED TO DIVERT TO THE FRESNO AIR TERMINAL WHERE FIRE AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL WERE AVAILABLE AND MAKE A GEAR UP LANDING. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THATA BOLT CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE NOSE WHEEL EXTENSION MECHANISM AND PREVENTED IT FROM EXTENDING. THE BOLT SECURED THE PROPELLER GOVERNOR CABLE IN THE NOSEWHEEL WELL AREA.

Full Narrative

WHEN THE LANDING GEAR WAS EXTENDED TO DEMONSTRATE AN APPROACH-TO-LANDING STALL, THERE WAS NO SAFE INDICATION. THE GEAR WAS RECYCLED BUT THE NOSE GEAR WOULD NOT EXTEND. ALL ATTEMPTS TO EXTEND THE NOSE GEAR, INCLUDING THE USE OF THE EMERGENCY EXTENSION HAND PUMP, WERE TO NO AVAIL. THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT ELECTED TO DIVERT TO THE FRESNO AIR TERMINAL WHERE FIRE AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL WERE AVAILABLE AND MAKE A GEAR UP LANDING. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THATA BOLT CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE NOSE WHEEL EXTENSION MECHANISM AND PREVENTED IT FROM EXTENDING. THE BOLT SECURED THE PROPELLER GOVERNOR CABLE IN THE NOSEWHEEL WELL AREA.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:10 PDT
Nearest AirportFRESNO (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna R182
Tail NumberN7333X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEarl W Wells
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-J3C5D · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 20 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point17 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg

Appendix: Source Data