On February 13, 1986, a Piper PA-31-1020 (registration N41703) was involved in an aviation accident near Panama City, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The 90-degree hydraulic fitting supplying fluid to the nose gear was broken off at the actuator housing, causing loss of all hydraulic pressure to the nose gear, so it was not able to fully lock in the down position. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted to land with a malfunctioning nose gear after hydraulic pressure loss, causing the nose gear to collapse during rollout. Post-crash inspection revealed a broken hydraulic fitting.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that all attempts to extend the landing gear were unsuccessful, leading to a decision to land with the nose gear not fully locked in the down position. During the landing rollout, the nose gear completely collapsed.
Post-Crash Examination
Examination of the nose landing gear after the incident revealed that a 90-degree hydraulic fitting, which supplied fluid to the nose gear actuator, had broken off at the actuator housing. This failure resulted in a complete loss of hydraulic pressure to the nose gear, preventing it from locking fully in the down position.
Findings
The broken hydraulic fitting was identified as the cause of the nose gear's inability to lock. The loss of hydraulic pressure directly correlated with the gear's failure to extend and lock as intended.
Probable cause
The 90-degree hydraulic fitting supplying fluid to the nose gear was broken off at the actuator housing, causing loss of all hydraulic pressure to the nose gear, so it was not able to fully lock in the down position.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Feb 1986 Piper PA-31-1020 accident near Panama City, FL?
A pilot attempted to land with a malfunctioning nose gear after hydraulic pressure loss, causing the nose gear to collapse during rollout. Post-crash inspection revealed a broken hydraulic fitting.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Feb 1986 involved a Piper PA-31-1020, registration N41703, at Panama City, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The 90-degree hydraulic fitting supplying fluid to the nose gear was broken off at the actuator housing, causing loss of all hydraulic pressure to the nose gear, so it was not able to fully lock in the down position.
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