Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Collapse and Fire Following Incorrect Emergency Extension Procedure (N5916P)

Lincoln, CA, US

On June 24, 1985, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5916P) was involved in an aviation accident near Lincoln, CA. 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

During a dusk landing, a pilot attempted to lower the landing gear but did not see a down indication. After recycling and using the emergency extension system incorrectly, the gear collapsed upon touchdown, causing a fire that destroyed the aircraft. No pre-accident failures were found.

Incident Summary

At dusk, during arrival, the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear but did not observe a gear-down light indication. He recycled the landing gear several times and then utilized the emergency gear extension system. The pilot stated that when he used the extension system, he released the electric gear motor and then extended the telescopic emergency arm rearward. However, the arm should have been in the forward position to lower the gear.

Pilot Actions

The pilot noted that when the navigation lights were turned on, the green gear-down and amber gear-up lights would have automatically dimmed. After the landing gear extension attempt, the pilot landed the aircraft. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, and a fire erupted. The aircraft was destroyed.

Findings

During the investigation, no pre-accident part failure or malfunction was found. The incorrect positioning of the telescopic emergency arm contributed to the gear not being properly extended.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36827. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.