Casualties unknown

Nose Gear Collapse and Inverted Slide During Landing (N3343A)

Lamkin, TX, US

On February 4, 1984, a Piper PA-22-135 (registration N3343A) was involved in an aviation accident near Lamkin, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the nose gear due to landing on soft sod, compounded by the pilot's apparent forceful application of nose-down control input while attempting to maintain directional control. 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

The aircraft's nose gear collapsed upon landing on soft sod, causing the plane to nosed over and slide inverted for approximately 100 feet while the pilot attempted directional control.

What happened

During the landing phase, the aircraft's nose gear dug into the soft sod runway surface, leading to a structural collapse. Following this failure, the aircraft nosed over and proceeded to slide on its back for approximately 100 feet.

Post-accident analysis by an FAA coordinator indicated that the pilot appeared to force the nose down in an attempt to maintain directional control during the incident. Additionally, it was discovered that the student pilot's certificate and medical certificates were invalid at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The collapse of the nose gear due to landing on soft sod, compounded by the pilot's apparent forceful application of nose-down control input while attempting to maintain directional control. The pilot's invalid certification status was also a contributing factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38773. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.