Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

November 26, 2006 · Cessna 421C · N471BW

Moline, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 26, 2006
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Moline, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 421C
Tail Number
N471BW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI07CA028

The right main landing gear collapsed during landing flare/touchdown. The pilot reported that the airplane initially touched down on the left main landing gear, followed by the nose and right main landing gears. The pilot stated that when the right main landing gear touched it "didn't feel right or usual." The pilot reported that he advanced engine power, and the airplane became airborne for about 50 feet. The pilot stated that the airplane "bounced onto runway" and the right propeller impacted the runway. The airplane became airborne again, and then "landed hard" for the final time. Inspection of the right main landing gear showed that the upper and lower torque links had separated at the common pivot-point, which allowed the lower strut to rotate within the upper strut. The two torque links are connected by a bolt, nut, bushing, and several washers. The washer that prevents the bolt head and pressed bushing from pulling through the common pivot-point was not installed. The as-installed stack-up remained together, and was attached to the upper torque link. The pressed bushing from the lower torque link was found with the as-installed stack-up. The torque links for the left main landing gear were found correctly assembled.

NTSB Probable Cause

The incorrect installation of the torque link scissor assembly by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear during landing.

Full Narrative

The right main landing gear collapsed during landing flare/touchdown. The pilot reported that the airplane initially touched down on the left main landing gear first, followed by the nose and right main landing gears. The pilot stated that when the right main landing gear touched it "didn't feel right or usual." The pilot reported that he advanced engine power and the airplane became airborne for about 50 feet. The pilot stated that the aircraft "bounced onto runway" and the right propeller impacted the runway. The pilot reported that the airplane became airborne again and then "landed hard" for the final time. Inspection of the right main landing gear showed that the upper and lower torque links had separated at the common pivot-point, which allowed the lower strut to rotate within the upper strut. The two torque links are connected by a bolt, nut, bushing, and several washers. The washer that prevents the bolt head and pressed bushing from pulling through the common pivot-point was not installed. The as installed stack-up remained together and was attached to the upper torque link. The pressed bushing from the lower torque link was found with the as installed stack-up. The torque links for the left main landing gear were found correctly assembled.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:06 CST
Nearest AirportQuad City International (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length10002 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 421C
Tail NumberN471BW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTeledyne Continental · GTSIO-520-L · Reciprocating · 375
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind150° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 48
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time23:16
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data