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October 7, 2019 · Honda Aircraft HA-420 · N166HJ

Charleston, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 7, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Charleston, SC
Aircraft
Honda Aircraft HA-420 (2017)
Tail Number
N166HJ
Operator
Pro by Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20LA006

The pilot stated that, during the landing approach, after extending the landing gear, he received a yellow nose landing gear indicator light and an aural “gear unsafe” warning. He aborted the approach to troubleshoot and, after performing an emergency gear extension, received a red nose landing gear light and a warning message indicating a problem with the landing gear doors. The pilot subsequently landed and the airplane settled onto the nose, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the airplane revealed a towbar adapter lug inside of the nose wheel axle assembly. The adapter lug was not produced by the airplane manufacturer nor was it specified for use for the accident airplane. A witness mark was discovered on the top surface of the nose landing gear door and at the bottom of the nose landing gear bay. It is likely that, based on the incorrect size of the towbar adapter lug, the nose wheel landing gear became stuck in the stowed/retracted position.

NTSB Probable Cause

Ground personnel’s use of an improper towbar adapter lug, which prevented the nose landing gear from extending.

Full Narrative

On October 7, 2019, about 0830 eastern daylight time, a Honda, HA-420, H166HJ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Charleston, South Carolina. The airline transport pilot and four passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated by Pro by Air, as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 executive/corporate flight. The pilot stated that, during the landing approach, he moved the landing gear handle to the DOWN position. The main landing gear indicator was green, but the nose landing gear indicator was yellow; followed by an unsafe audible alarm indicating that the gear was unsafe. The pilot aborted the approach and requested a tower flyby, during which the tower reported that the, “doors did not look right.” The pilot attempted to cycle the gear twice, but was not able to resolve the issue. The pilot declared an emergency and performed the emergency gear extension checklist, after which the gear lights indicated that the two main landing gear were extended and locked; however, the nose landing gear indicator light was red. After performing the emergency gear extension, the pilot received a warning message about the gear doors. The pilot performed a normal approach and landing and the airplane slid to a complete stop on the runway. The pilot and all passengers deplaned on the runway and waited for emergency services. An examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. Further examination revealed that the pressure vessel was damaged as a result of the gear-up landing. The airplane was recovered to a hangar for further examination by the FAA and representatives of the Honda Aircraft Company. A towbar adapter lug was discovered inside of the nose wheel axle assembly. The towbar adapter lug was removed, and the length and width dimensions of the adapter lug was documented along with its part number (P228). The adapter lug was compared to the chart of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Brackett Aircraft Company Inc. The adapter lug was not a Honda Aircraft part, nor was it the OEM specified lug for the accident airplane. A witness mark was discovered on the top surface of the door and at the bottom of the nose landing gear bay. The clearance between the nose landing gear door and the nose landing gear axle without the discovered adapter lug inserted measured approximately 11/16-inch. The adapter lug was reinserted into the nose wheel gear axle assembly with approximately 1.5 inches of the adapter lug extending from the axle assembly. There was a considerable negative clearance between the fuselage and the adapter lug. A representative for the fixed based operator (FBO) who performed ground handling on the airplane stated that they use pin adapters when connecting the nose wheel to the towbar, because the wheel hubs are too small for the universal towbar hookup.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 EDT
Nearest AirportCharleston Afb/Intl (401nm S)
Runway03
Runway Length7000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHonda Aircraft HA-420
Tail NumberN166HJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPro by Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbojet
Engine DetailsGe Honda Aero Engines · HF120-H1A · Turbojet · 2050 | Ge Honda Aero Engines · HF120-H1A · Turbojet · 2050
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 74 · Second Class · None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None
Crew 4None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDawn
Wind30° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 66 F
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time11:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data