Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28 near Mackinac Island, MI — 2018-02-26

Final reportCEN18LA112
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Date
2018-02-26
Location
Mackinac Island, MI, USA
Airport
KMCD
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28
Registration
N1722J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The improper reinstallation of the right main landing gear by maintenance personnel which resulted in the separation of the landing gear and the subsequent abnormal runway contact during the landing.

NTSB narrative

During the final approach for the short cross country flight, the pilot heard a "thud." During the landing flare the pilot suspected a landing gear issue and landed as gently as possible. However, the right wing settled onto the runway and was substantially damaged. A postaccident examination revealed that the landing gear had not been reinstalled correctly during maintenance performed in 2013. Only one of the 8 fasteners required for installation was recovered and it was sheered. The damage to the wing and landing gear was consistent with the improper installation of the fasteners and was not impact related. It is likely that the fasteners were either not installed or not torqued properly during the previous maintenance. Subsequent annual and 100-hour inspections did not detect this discrepancy.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing after hearing a 'thud' indicating a potential gear issue.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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