After The Airplane Touched Down, The Right Main Landing Gear “Appeared To Collapse.”

Location: Miami, FL Accident Number: ERA23LA202
Date & Time: April 18, 2023, 09:13 Local Registration: N12RX
Aircraft: Rockwell International 112 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Positioning

On April 18, 2023, at 0913 eastern daylight time, a Rockwell International 112 airplane, N12RX, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at the Miami Executive Airport (TMB), Miami, Florida. The private pilot was not injured. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. 

The pilot reported that she completed two takeoff and landings at North Perry Airport (HWO), Hollywood, Florida, before flying to TMB. She extended the landing gear and confirmed all three gear-down indicator lights were illuminated before she landed at TMB. After the airplane touched down, the right main landing gear “appeared to collapse.” The airplane veered off the runway and came to rest on the grass, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. 

The airplane was recovered and placed on jacks at a maintenance facility at TMB. Examination of the airplane revealed there was a small amount of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic reservoir. The landing gear was then tested, but the due to a lack of hydraulic pressure, the gear would not extend or retract. Hydraulic fluid was then added to the system and the gear was tested again. This time, the gear moved through its full extension and retraction cycle; however, hydraulic fluid was observed leaking from the hydraulic power pack. A review of maintenance records revealed that the pack had been recently overhauled and installed about 1.5 hours prior to the accident. The hydraulic power pack was removed for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov