Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA32R near Canon City, CO — 2020-11-20

Final reportCEN21LA065
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Date
2020-11-20
Location
Canon City, CO, USA
Airport
1V6
Aircraft
PIPER PA32R
Registration
N4187H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The failure of the alternator drive belt, which resulted in insufficient electrical power to extend the landing gear and a subsequent gear-up landing. .

NTSB narrative

During a night instructional flight, the pilot receiving instruction and flight instructor noticed the battery warning light illuminate. The ammeter showed that the battery was not charging and indicated 24 volts. They checked the circuit breakers, the alternator switch, and the master switch; all appeared normal and/or in the ON position. They elected to return to the departure airport. Before landing, the pilot receiving instruction lowered the landing gear handle and advised that the landing gear was down; all the lights flickered, and the instrument panel went dark. During landing, the flight instructor noticed that the propeller had stopped and heard the sound of grinding, then realized that the landing gear was retracted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the alternator drive belt had failed and was found loose in the engine compartment.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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