PIPER PA 31-350 near Chicago, IL — 2015-02-16

Probable cause

The collapse of the nose and right main landing gears during landing for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the landing gear system revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he executed a normal approach for landing. During the approach, the pilot lowered the landing gear and verified the extended position by checking the landing gear position indicators in the cockpit. Upon touchdown on the runway, the nose landing gear collapsed, and then the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane then exited the runway surface and came to rest upright. The right wing sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the landing gear system revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Fuel management

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have checked hydraulic fluid level before flight to prevent gear failure.

NTSB coding

• Landing gear collapse · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Piper Airplane Flight Manual – Hydraulic System Serviceother
• Piper Airplane Flight Manual – Preflight Inspection Checklistother
• Piper Pilot Operating Handbook – Landing Gear Descriptionother

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