On December 11, 1984, a Piper PA-28R-201T (registration N3664M) was involved in an aviation accident near Norfolk, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's use of incorrect procedures for gear extension. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot departed Fairmont with an IFR clearance but experienced an alternator failure shortly after takeoff. Unable to extend the landing gear at Norfolk due to loss of electrical power, he attempted a manual extension using incorrect procedures.
What happened
The pilot confirmed an alternator failure occurred a short time after departing Fairmont. He cancelled his IFR clearance and continued to Norfolk for landing. Upon reaching his destination the pilot was unable to extend the landing gear due to the electrical failure and no battery power. The pilot stated he used incorrect procedures for gear extension.
The investigation
The investigation found that the pilot was unable to extend the landing gear due to the electrical failure and no battery power. The pilot stated he used incorrect procedures for gear extension.
Findings
The pilot confirmed an alternator failure occurred a short time after departing Fairmont. He cancelled his IFR clearance and continued to Norfolk for landing. Upon reaching his destination the pilot was unable to extend the landing gear due to the electrical failure and no battery power. The pilot stated he used incorrect procedures for gear extension.
Probable cause
The pilot's use of incorrect procedures for gear extension.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Dec 1984 Piper PA-28R-201T accident near Norfolk, NE?
A pilot departed Fairmont with an IFR clearance but experienced an alternator failure shortly after takeoff. Unable to extend the landing gear at Norfolk due to loss of electrical power, he attempted a manual extension using incorrect procedures.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Dec 1984 involved a Piper PA-28R-201T, registration N3664M, at Norfolk, NE.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's use of incorrect procedures for gear extension.
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