On August 25, 1986, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N56710) operated by Aero Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Salinas, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the nose landing gear upon touchdown, despite the gear indicator lights showing the system was down and locked. 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.
The aircraft touched down with the main gear first, but the nose gear collapsed upon contact with the runway surface, bringing the plane to a stop on its nose despite green indicator lights.
What happened
The aircraft collided with the surface of Runway 13 after the nose gear collapsed. The pilot indicated that the three green gear safe indicator lights were illuminated prior to touchdown. The aircraft was landed on the main gear first and then the nose gear. The nose gear collapsed as it touched the runway surface and the aircraft came to a stop on its nose.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear system. Evidence indicated that the nose gear failed to support the weight of the aircraft upon initial contact with the runway. The pilot's report confirmed that the gear safe indicator lights were illuminated, suggesting the system was in the down and locked position prior to impact.
Findings
Contributing factors included the collapse of the nose landing gear during the landing roll. The primary causal fact was the structural failure of the nose gear under load. No other mechanical anomalies or weather conditions were cited as contributing factors.
Probable cause
The collapse of the nose landing gear upon touchdown, despite the gear indicator lights showing the system was down and locked.
What happened in the 25 Aug 1986 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Salinas, CA?
The aircraft touched down with the main gear first, but the nose gear collapsed upon contact with the runway surface, bringing the plane to a stop on its nose despite green indicator lights.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Aug 1986 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N56710, operated by Aero Flight Center, at Salinas, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The collapse of the nose landing gear upon touchdown, despite the gear indicator lights showing the system was down and locked.
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