On January 9, 1983, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N32978) operated by Rodney Smith was involved in an aviation accident near Bandera, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to avoid an unmarked hole while taxiing, which resulted in damage to the left main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft sustained landing gear damage after taxiing off the runway into an unmarked hole during a routine turnaround maneuver.
What happened
Following a normal landing, the pilot taxied to the end of the runway to allow another aircraft to land. He then taxied approximately 70 feet off the paved surface into a grass turnaround area. During this maneuver, the left main landing gear struck an unmarked hole that was 18 inches deep. The impact forced the landing gear upward through the wing structure.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the taxiway conditions and the mechanical failure of the landing gear. Investigators noted that the hole in the grass turnaround area was not marked or highlighted, contributing to the pilot's inability to avoid it during low-speed ground operations.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to avoid an unmarked hole while taxiing, which resulted in damage to the left main landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Jan 1983 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Bandera, TX?
An aircraft sustained landing gear damage after taxiing off the runway into an unmarked hole during a routine turnaround maneuver.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Jan 1983 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N32978, operated by Rodney Smith, at Bandera, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to avoid an unmarked hole while taxiing, which resulted in damage to the left main landing gear.
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