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NTSB Report

March 30, 2024 · Beta Biz LX7 NO Series · N222MA

Huntsville, AL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 30, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Huntsville, AL
Aircraft
Beta Biz LX7 NO Series (2020)
Tail Number
N222MA
Operator
Beta Biz
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA170

The pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane had completed an uneventful cross-country flight until the arrival to his destination airport. When the landing gear was lowered on approach, the pilot observed a “gear unsafe” message and the hydraulic pump continuously operated. The nose landing gear (NLG) indicated down and locked, but neither main landing gear lights illuminated. The pilot cycled the landing gear, however, there was no change in the unsafe gear condition. He then circled away from the airport and performed an emergency gear extension, but that also did not resolve the gear configuration malfunction. Subsequently, the pilot completed an emergency landing at the destination airport with only the NLG down and locked. Upon touchdown, both main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded on its empennage and rudder to a stop, which resulted in substantial damage. Postaccident examination revealed that the NLG actuator forward hydraulic fitting had sheared, which allowed hydraulic fluid and pressure to empty from the system, preventing the main landing gear from fully extending and locking into place. Following the accident, the pilot identified that the hydraulic fitting had sheared. He subsequently replenished the hydraulic fluid, capped the fitting that had failed, and was able to lower the main landing gear normally and tow the airplane back to the ramp. The pilot, who was also the owner/repairman for the airplane, had replaced the nose landing gear actuator two times, with the most recent replacement occurring 3.4 hours prior to the accident. The pilot reported that the prior actuators would leak, resulting in the hydraulic pump running continuously. During the most recent installation, the pilot adjusted the hydraulic fitting because it was not aligned with the actuator. He performed several gear swings and flew six flights without issue after this maintenance.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the nose landing gear actuator forward hydraulic fitting, which resulted in a main landing gear collapse during landing due to the loss of hydraulic fluid and pressure.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane had completed an uneventful cross-country flight until the arrival to his destination airport. When the landing gear was lowered on approach, the pilot observed a “gear unsafe” message and the hydraulic pump continuously operated. The nose landing gear (NLG) indicated down and locked, but neither main landing gear lights illuminated. The pilot cycled the landing gear, however, there was no change in the unsafe gear condition. He then circled away from the airport and performed an emergency gear extension, but that also did not resolve the gear configuration malfunction. Subsequently, the pilot completed an emergency landing at the destination airport with only the NLG down and locked. Upon touchdown, both main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded on its empennage and rudder to a stop, which resulted in substantial damage. Postaccident examination revealed that the NLG actuator forward hydraulic fitting had sheared, which allowed hydraulic fluid and pressure to empty from the system, preventing the main landing gear from fully extending and locking into place. Following the accident, the pilot identified that the hydraulic fitting had sheared. He subsequently replenished the hydraulic fluid, capped the fitting that had failed, and was able to lower the main landing gear normally and tow the airplane back to the ramp. The pilot, who was also the owner/repairman for the airplane, had replaced the nose landing gear actuator two times, with the most recent replacement occurring 3.4 hours prior to the accident. The pilot reported that the prior actuators would leak, resulting in the hydraulic pump running continuously. During the most recent installation, the pilot adjusted the hydraulic fitting because it was not aligned with the actuator. He performed several gear swings and flew six flights without issue after this maintenance.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CDT
Nearest AirportHuntsville International Airpo (0nm NNW)
Runway18R/
Runway Length12600 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeta Biz LX7 NO Series
Tail NumberN222MA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBeta Biz
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-550E · Reciprocating · 350
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Basc · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 9 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 F
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data