On April 14, 1986, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N32613) operated by Andrews Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Camp Springs, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: If the alignment bushing did not align with its guide during retraction and bent one of the guide walls, it may have caused the gear to fail to fully extend. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a flight to prepare a student for a CFI check ride, the nose gear collapsed upon landing at Andrews Air Force Base after the crew could not confirm a down-and-locked indication.
Incident Summary
A flight intended to prepare a student for a certified flight instructor (CFI) check ride resulted in a nose gear collapse during landing. Both the student and the CFI were unable to obtain a green light confirming the nose gear was down and locked. After numerous attempts to verify the gear was down and locked, the aircraft was landed at Andrews Air Force Base. Upon touchdown, the nose gear collapsed and the aircraft slid off the left side of the runway.
Examination and Findings
Post-incident examination of the nose gear assembly revealed a skewed wear pattern deep within the slot of the nose gear aligner guide. The entire slot was found twisted in a direction consistent with deformation at its upper end of one of the guide walls. The exterior surface of the slot wall that contained the deformation at its upper end showed marks consistent with short-term contact with the alignment bushing, which normally rides within the slot. The investigation noted that if the bushing did not align with its guide during retraction and bent one of the guide walls, it may cause the gear to fail to fully extend.
Probable cause
If the alignment bushing did not align with its guide during retraction and bent one of the guide walls, it may have caused the gear to fail to fully extend.
What happened in the 14 Apr 1986 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Camp Springs, MD?
During a flight to prepare a student for a CFI check ride, the nose gear collapsed upon landing at Andrews Air Force Base after the crew could not confirm a down-and-locked indication.
Were there any fatalities in the 14 Apr 1986 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Apr 1986 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N32613, operated by Andrews Aero Club, at Camp Springs, MD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
If the alignment bushing did not align with its guide during retraction and bent one of the guide walls, it may have caused the gear to fail to fully extend.
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