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Casualties unknown

Left Main Gear Collapse on Touchdown Due to Down Lock Failure (N8584N)

Hillsboro, OR, US

On May 31, 1982, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N8584N) operated by Psu Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Hillsboro, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to observe the lack of a green down-and-locked indication and the subsequent failure to execute go-around procedures, which resulted in the left main landing gear collapsing on touchdown due to the down lock hook failing to engage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

The left main landing gear collapsed upon touchdown after the pilot failed to observe a lack of green down-and-locked indication and did not execute go-around procedures.

What happened

During the final phase of flight, the aircraft touched down on the runway. Immediately upon contact with the surface, the left main landing gear assembly collapsed. Prior to this event, the pilot had not observed a green down-and-locked indication for the left gear. Despite this absence of confirmation, the pilot did not initiate a go-around, attempt to recycle the landing gear system, or follow other standard procedures associated with landing gear malfunctions.

The investigation

Following the accident, a retraction check was performed on the aircraft. This inspection revealed that the down lock hook for the left main gear had failed to engage properly. This mechanical failure prevented the gear from locking into the extended position, leading to the collapse upon impact with the ground.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to observe the lack of a green down-and-locked indication and the subsequent failure to execute go-around procedures, which resulted in the left main landing gear collapsing on touchdown due to the down lock hook failing to engage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 May 1982 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Hillsboro, OR?

The left main landing gear collapsed upon touchdown after the pilot failed to observe a lack of green down-and-locked indication and did not execute go-around procedures.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 May 1982 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N8584N, operated by Psu Flying Club, at Hillsboro, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to observe the lack of a green down-and-locked indication and the subsequent failure to execute go-around procedures, which resulted in the left main landing gear collapsing on touchdown due to the down lock hook failing to engage.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04089. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.