N83873

On July 8, 1994, at 1500 mountain daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas MD80, N83873, operating as Continental Airlines flight 789, sustained minor damage during landing roll at Stapleton International Airport, Denver, Colorado. The crew and passengers were not injured on this scheduled flight operating under 14 CFR Part 121 which originated at Houston Intercontinental Airport, Houston, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed.

According to the crew, they conducted a visual approach to runway 26R and made a normal landing. During landing roll, upon brake application, a vibration occurred. The pilots stated that the brakes were released and reapplied with the vibration continuing until approaching a stop. Inspection revealed a failure of the right main landing gear torque link and shimmy dampener. The landing gear wheel assembly rotated 180 degrees separating hydraulic and pneumatic lines. In addition, both right main landing gear tires and the inboard right flap received damage.

The attached chart provides information that this is the fifth recorded failure of this type on the MD80 series aircraft. The chart also provides information on the type of brake system installed, pertinent events of the operation, and flight data recorder information.