Multi-engine aircraft lands gear-up after hard touchdown on final approach

Casualties unknown • West Mifflin, PA, US

A pilot attempted to compensate for strong winds and turbulence by increasing airspeed on final approach, resulting in a hard landing that damaged the left propeller and necessitated a gear-up landing.

What happened

The pilot reported increasing power and airspeed while on final approach to compensate for strong winds and turbulence. Wind conditions were reported from 150 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 28 knots. The aircraft crossed the threshold of runway 10 at an airspeed approximately 30 knots faster than normal. The pilot stated that the aircraft landed hard on the left main gear first and began to lean to the left. At some point, the left propeller struck the runway, causing sparks to fly. The pilot then pulled up the aircraft, retracted the gear, shut down both engines, and landed gear-up.

The investigation

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.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during final approach in windy conditions, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent damage to the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-04-15 Mitsubishi MU-2B-26 accident near West Mifflin, PA?

A pilot attempted to compensate for strong winds and turbulence by increasing airspeed on final approach, resulting in a hard landing that damaged the left propeller and necessitated a gear-up landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-04-15 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2B-26, registration N79AC, at West Mifflin, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during final approach in windy conditions, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent damage to the aircraft.

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.

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