Casualties unknown

Gear Collapse During Landing After Improper Emergency System Operation (N6720P)

Walterboro, SC, US

On February 26, 1984, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6720P) was involved in an aviation accident near Walterboro, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not properly operate the emergency system. 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

A pilot failed to get a green gear-down indication and did not properly operate the emergency system, leading to a landing gear collapse on touchdown.

Incident Summary

During approach, the pilot did not receive a green landing gear down indication after lowering the gear. A fly-by was performed, and ground observers reported that the landing gear appeared to be extended. The pilot then failed to properly operate the emergency landing gear extension system. On landing, the landing gear collapsed.

Post-Accident Findings

A post-accident ground check of both the normal and emergency landing gear systems found that they operated successfully. However, on the first attempt using the normal system, the gear did not lock down. The aircraft was overdue for its annual inspection.

Additional Information

The aircraft owner stated that he did not authorize the flight. He had intended for the pilot to ferry the aircraft for an annual inspection only after the owner had obtained a ferry permit.

Probable cause

The pilot did not properly operate the emergency system.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38711. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.