Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-30 near Caro, MI — 2025-09-02

Final reportCEN25LA361
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Date
2025-09-02
Location
Caro, MI, USA
Airport
CFS
Aircraft
PIPER PA-30
Registration
N26RJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to remove the tow bar before flight.

NTSB narrative

After departure, the pilot noticed the landing gear position indicator light did not show that the landing gear was retracted and the circuit breaker was tripped. He cycled the circuit breaker a few times and it kept tripping. The pilot then diverted to an airport where he normally had maintenance performed on his airplane. While landing, the airplane veered sharply to the right and went through a ditch which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage. After the accident, it was discovered the pilot had forgotten to remove the tow bar he used to pull the airplane out of the hangar. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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