Casualties unknown

1983-06-21: Piper PA-34-200T (N3ZT) — Fiesta Airlines — Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ, US

On June 21, 1983, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N3ZT) operated by Fiesta Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. 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

During landing, the left main landing gear collapsed after the pilot experienced difficulty with gear warning lights in the pattern. The gear had indicated down after one recycle but failed on rollout.

Incident Overview

The left main landing gear of an aircraft collapsed during the landing rollout. The pilot had previously encountered issues with the landing gear warning lights while in the traffic pattern. After recycling the landing gear once, the gear indication showed down, but the left gear collapsed as the aircraft rolled out.

Pilot Actions

Before the gear fully collapsed, the pilot feathered the left engine and positioned the propeller. The landing gear warning horn did not sound on final approach with the power off, but it did activate on the runway just prior to the collapse.

Post-Accident Examination

The following day, the aircraft was placed on jacks, and the landing gear was cycled approximately twenty times. During these cycles, no malfunctions were observed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43415. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.