DENVER, CO, USA
N8404
BOEING 707-323C
DURING ROTATION ON THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE NOSE LANDING GEAR CAME OFF THE AIRPLANE AND REMAINED ON THE GROUND. AS THE AIRCRAFT PASSED OVER THE NOSE LANDING GEAR ASSEMBLY, DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE BELLY OF THE AIRCRAFT. TAKEOFF WAS COMPLETED AND AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS CONDUCTED WITH THE MAIN LANDING GEAR AND THE STUB OF THE NOSE LANDING GEAR SHOCK STRUT EXTENDED. DISASSEMBLY OF THE SHOCK STRUT INNER CYLINDER REVEALED THE ABSENCE OF SEVERAL PARTS. THE AREA WHERE THESE PARTS ARE LOCATED IS A SEALED AREA THAT WAS NOT COMPROMISED. THIS DISCREPANCY ALLOWED A RETENTION NUT TO BACK OFF WHICH RESULTED IN NOSE GEAR SEPARATION. THE NOSE GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS OVERHAULED ON 9/4/85.
IMPROPER OVERHAUL OF THE NOSE GEAR ASSEMBLY BY OTHER MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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