On January 3, 1982, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N5018P) operated by John O. Vick was involved in an aviation accident near Van Nuys, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The separation of the left main gear retract assembly cable housing, which prevented the gear from extending. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted to extend landing gear for two hours before executing a gear-up landing after the left main gear failed to fully extend.
What happened
The pilot reported that a gear down indication was not received prior to initiating the landing sequence. Observers on the tower and the pilot of another aircraft confirmed that the left main landing gear had not fully extended. The pilot spent approximately two hours attempting to lower the gear without success. Consequently, the pilot executed a gear-up landing on the runway.
The investigation
A mechanical examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the cause of the malfunction. The inspection revealed that the cable housing for the left main gear retract assembly had separated.
Probable cause
The separation of the left main gear retract assembly cable housing, which prevented the gear from extending.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Jan 1982 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Van Nuys, CA?
A pilot attempted to extend landing gear for two hours before executing a gear-up landing after the left main gear failed to fully extend.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Jan 1982 involved a Piper PA-24-180, registration N5018P, operated by John O. Vick, at Van Nuys, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The separation of the left main gear retract assembly cable housing, which prevented the gear from extending.
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