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Landing Gear Collapse After Short Landing in Rawlins (N5802V)

Rawlins, WY, US

On November 30, 1983, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N5802V) was involved in an aviation accident near Rawlins, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during the approach, which resulted in a landing short of the runway and subsequent damage to the landing gear. 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 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot realized the aircraft was too low on short final to a plateau runway in Rawlins, attempted a correction, lost airspeed, and landed short. The left wing struck a snowbank, causing the landing gear to collapse.

What happened

The pilot reported that the approach into Rawlins proceeded normally until the aircraft reached short final approach. At this point, the pilot realized the aircraft was positioned lower than intended relative to the runway surface. The runway in question is situated on a plateau, which likely contributed to the visual misjudgment of altitude.

Attempting to correct the low descent path, the pilot pulled back on the controls. This maneuver resulted in a loss of airspeed. Consequently, the aircraft landed short of the runway threshold. Upon impact, the left wing struck a snowbank located near the approach end. The force of the impact caused the aircraft to swerve and resulted in the collapse of the landing gear.

Findings

  • Low altitude on final approach due to plateau terrain
  • Loss of airspeed during go-around or correction attempt
  • Landing short of the runway
  • Left wing impact with snowbank
  • Landing gear collapse following ground contact

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during the approach, which resulted in a landing short of the runway and subsequent damage to the landing gear.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Nov 1983 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Rawlins, WY?

A pilot realized the aircraft was too low on short final to a plateau runway in Rawlins, attempted a correction, lost airspeed, and landed short. The left wing struck a snowbank, causing the landing gear to collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Nov 1983 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N5802V, at Rawlins, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during the approach, which resulted in a landing short of the runway and subsequent damage to the landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X45043. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.