Landing Gear Malfunction Leads to Crash During Final Approach

Casualties unknown • Tucson, AZ, US

A pilot experienced a left main landing gear malfunction during a business flight. Despite emergency procedures and an attempt to restart the engine, the aircraft crashed into terrain short of the airport.

What happened

During the final phase of a business flight, the pilot extended the landing gear as part of the standard approach procedure. Upon inspection of the cockpit indicators, the pilot observed that the left main landing gear had not fully deployed and was not locked in the down position. In response to this anomaly, the pilot activated the emergency landing gear extension system. However, the indicator lights continued to show that the gear remained undeployed.

While maintaining a course on final approach to the airport, the pilot made the decision to shut down the engine. This action was taken with the specific intention of preventing potential damage to the powerplant in the event that the landing gear collapsed upon impact. Unfortunately, shutting off the engine caused the aircraft's sink rate to increase significantly. The pilot attempted an in-flight restart of the engine, but this effort was unsuccessful.

With no further options available to arrest the descent or restore propulsion, the aircraft collided with the terrain approximately half a mile from the airport boundary. Post-accident examination could not definitively determine whether the left main landing gear had actually been down and locked at the time of impact.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to shut down the engine during final approach, which increased the sink rate and contributed to the collision with terrain, following a failure of the left main landing gear to extend and lock.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-06-27 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Tucson, AZ?

A pilot experienced a left main landing gear malfunction during a business flight. Despite emergency procedures and an attempt to restart the engine, the aircraft crashed into terrain short of the airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-06-27 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N4364X, operated by Universe Air Cargo, at Tucson, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to shut down the engine during final approach, which increased the sink rate and contributed to the collision with terrain, following a failure of the left main landing gear to extend and lock.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31238. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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