Casualties unknown

Hard Landing Leads to Propeller Strike and Gear-Up Landing (N79AC)

West Mifflin, PA, US

On April 15, 1983, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-26 (registration N79AC) was involved in an aviation accident near West Mifflin, PA. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported crossing the runway threshold at 30 kts faster than normal due to strong winds, resulting in a hard landing, propeller strike, and gear-up landing.

Incident Details

According to the pilot, he increased power and airspeed during final approach to compensate for strong winds and turbulence. The wind was reported from 150 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 28 knots. The aircraft crossed the threshold of Runway 10 at an airspeed reportedly 30 knots faster than normal.

The pilot stated that the aircraft landed hard on the left main landing gear first, then began to lean to the left. At some point, the left propeller struck the runway, producing sparks. The pilot then pulled up the aircraft, retracted the landing gear, shut down both engines, and performed a gear-up landing.

Damage

An examination revealed that the tips of the left propeller had sheared off and penetrated the left tip tank. Additionally, the belly, gear doors, and landing gear were damaged.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42810. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.