On May 31, 1984, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N16461) was involved in an aviation accident near Odessa, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue takeoff with an inoperative airspeed indicator and subsequent loss of control during landing, which resulted in a hard touchdown and collapse of the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft bounced during landing, traveled off the runway, and touched down hard on the left side of the airstrip, collapsing all three landing gears.
What happened
During the takeoff ground roll, the pilot noticed an inoperative airspeed indicator but elected to continue the flight. The aircraft later executed a long, fast landing that resulted in a bounce. After traveling off the right side of the runway, the pilot attempted to correct back to the left. The aircraft touched down hard on the left side of the airstrip, which caused all three landing gears to collapse.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear system following the hard impact. Examination confirmed that the structural integrity of the landing gear was compromised due to the excessive force of the touchdown on the unpaved or narrow surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue takeoff with an inoperative airspeed indicator and subsequent loss of control during landing, which resulted in a hard touchdown and collapse of the landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 May 1984 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Odessa, TX?
Aircraft bounced during landing, traveled off the runway, and touched down hard on the left side of the airstrip, collapsing all three landing gears.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 May 1984 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N16461, at Odessa, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to continue takeoff with an inoperative airspeed indicator and subsequent loss of control during landing, which resulted in a hard touchdown and collapse of the landing gear.
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