Casualties unknown

Nose Gear Collapse During Landing Rollout After Hydraulic Leak Discovery (N707HB)

St. Paul, MN, US

On September 18, 1986, a Piper PA-31-310 (registration N707HB) operated by Northland Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near St. Paul, MN. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During landing rollout, the nose gear collapsed. Post-accident inspection revealed a hydraulic leak near the power pack and the reservoir was 42 oz low (normal 54 oz). No cockpit fluid level indicator exists.

Event Description

At the conclusion of an otherwise routine flight, the pilot extended the landing gear and observed three green indicator lights confirming gear down. However, during the landing rollout, the nose gear collapsed.

Inspection Findings

Following the accident, an inspection was conducted. A hydraulic leak was discovered near the hydraulic power pack. The hydraulic reservoir, which typically holds 54 ounces of fluid, was found to have been refilled with only 42 ounces of fluid. Notably, this aircraft is not equipped with a hydraulic fluid level indicator in the cockpit.

The combination of the hydraulic leak and the low fluid level was noted. No further causal factors were identified in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34752. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.