Casualties unknown

1986-12-26: Piper PA-44 (N2197X) — Key West, FL

Key West, FL, US

On December 26, 1986, a Piper PA-44 (registration N2197X) was involved in an aviation accident near Key West, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft landed with its gear retracted after losing all electrical power shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted emergency gear extension during landing but could not deploy it in time. Examination found the battery discharged.

Incident Overview

Shortly after takeoff on an IFR flight, while operating in VFR conditions, the aircraft experienced a complete loss of electrical power. The pilot returned to the departure airport and performed the pre-landing checklist, which included placing the landing gear handle in the down position. However, because the landing gear was electrically operated, it did not extend, and the aircraft landed with the gear retracted.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that during the flare, just before touchdown, he remembered that the gear was electrically driven and attempted to extend it using the emergency extension method. He was unable to complete the emergency extension in time to prevent a gear-up landing.

Post-Incident Examination

An examination of the aircraft's battery revealed that it was in a discharged condition. The cause of the electrical power loss was attributed to the depleted battery.

Conclusion

The aircraft sustained damage from the gear-up landing. The incident occurred without further complications.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35404. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.