Casualties unknown

1983-03-15: Piper PA-601P (N60801) — Wheeling, IL

Wheeling, IL, US

On March 15, 1983, a Piper PA-601P (registration N60801) was involved in an aviation accident near Wheeling, IL. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

After an ILS approach to runway 16, the pilot was cleared to circle and land on runway 34. During a left turn-around, the gear was likely retracted, resulting in a wheels-up landing.

Event Summary

After making an ILS approach to runway 16, the pilot was cleared to circle and land on runway 34. As the pilot turned final, he was to the west side of the runway and too high to land, so he executed a left turn-around back to runway 34. Tower personnel increased the intensity of the runway lights to assist the pilot in locating the runway and cleared him to land.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated that he had completed his prelanding check and, to the best of his recollection, had extended the landing gear and 20 degrees of flaps. He did not recall retracting the gear during the 360-degree turn. Subsequently, the aircraft was landed on runway 34 with the gear either fully retracted or partially down. The pilot reported that a wheels-up landing was made with the gear handle in the down position.

Post-Accident Findings

Examination of the aircraft after the landing revealed scrape marks on the underside of the fuselage, but no scrape marks were found on the gear doors. When the aircraft was jacked up and hydraulic pressure was applied, all three landing gear began to extend. However, the gear mechanism was damaged and would not operate properly.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42354. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.