On October 17, 1985, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N43429) was involved in an aviation accident near Gardner, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance over a lip at the runway threshold during a crosswind landing, which led to the collapse of the right main landing gear and subsequently the nose gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft sustained significant damage after the right main landing gear collapsed upon impact with a lip at the approach end of runway 8 during a crosswind landing.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a landing operation on runway 8, encountering a right crosswind condition. To maintain proper alignment with the runway centerline, the pilot kept the right wing lowered for wind correction. As the aircraft approached the threshold, the right main wheel struck a lip located at the approach end of the runway. This lip was positioned approximately six inches below the level of the runway surface.
The impact caused the right landing gear to collapse immediately. Following this failure, the right wing touched down on the ground. The force of the touchdown and subsequent movement resulted in the nose gear also collapsing.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance over a lip at the runway threshold during a crosswind landing, which led to the collapse of the right main landing gear and subsequently the nose gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Oct 1985 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Gardner, KS?
Aircraft sustained significant damage after the right main landing gear collapsed upon impact with a lip at the approach end of runway 8 during a crosswind landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Oct 1985 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N43429, at Gardner, KS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance over a lip at the runway threshold during a crosswind landing, which led to the collapse of the right main landing gear and subsequently the nose gear.
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