Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28R-201 near Las Vegas, NV — 2013-10-16

Final reportWPR14CA018
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Date
2013-10-16
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Airport
KHND
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28R-201
Registration
N3836M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The collapse of a main landing gear for reasons that could not be determined due to no postaccident examination of the airframe.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that after successfully completing three practice touch-and-go landings, he extended the landing gear for a fourth landing and noted that the left main gear indicator light was not illuminated. The pilot cycled the landing gear and all three lights then illuminated. A touch-and-go was accomplished and the landing gear was retracted. During the final landing, the landing gear was extended and the left main landing gear light did not illuminate. The pilot cycled the landing gear, however this time the light did not illuminate and he could not confirm that the left main gear was down and locked. The landing approach was continued and shortly after touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed. The left wing contacted the runway surface and the airplane departed the left side of the runway, coming to rest in a ditch. The left wing and stabilator were substantially damaged. Postaccident examination of the left main landing gear wheel well revealed excessive corrosion, dirt, and wear on the landing gear control arm, strut, torque link, gear spring, and associated connections. During a manual extension of the left main landing gear, the gear locked into the down position and the cockpit gear indicator light illuminated. A review of the airplane's maintenance records revealed that a 100-hour inspection was completed about 2 months before the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing upon gear indicator failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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