Casualties unknown

Aircraft Damaged During Landing Rollout in Catarina, Texas; Pilot Identity Unconfirmed (N3003P)

Catarina, TX, US

On August 13, 1983, a Piper PA-23 (registration N3003P) was involved in an aviation accident near Catarina, TX. 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

An aircraft with tail number N3003P was damaged when its landing gear retracted during landing rollout at Catarina, Texas. The pilot claimed engine trouble, but investigation revealed the gear was retracted during rollout. Pilot identity remains unconfirmed.

Accident Summary

An aircraft sustained damage when its landing gear was retracted during the landing rollout at an unspecified location in Catarina, Texas. The pilot, who identified himself as Larry Day from Chattanooga, Tennessee, reported experiencing engine trouble and being unable to extend the landing gear for landing.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident examination of the landing gear system revealed damage consistent with the gear being retracted during the rollout phase. Prior to the official investigation, an unknown individual had attempted to raise the aircraft and straighten the propellers.

Pilot Identification

Investigators later located a Mr. Lawrence C. Day of Hixson, Tennessee, who stated that someone had been using his name. The description of that individual matched the pilot of the accident aircraft, identified by its registration N3003P. Efforts to positively identify the pilot and any passengers on board have been unsuccessful.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44166. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.