Casualties unknown

1987-09-16: Piper PA-60 (N9784Q) — Top Flight Service,inc. — W.palm Beach, FL

W.palm Beach, FL, US

On September 16, 1987, a Piper PA-60 (registration N9784Q) operated by Top Flight Service,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near W.palm Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right main landing gear link, causing the wheel to rotate 90 degrees and subsequent collapse of the main gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A pilot reported that during landing, the scissors on the right main landing gear strut disconnected, causing the wheel assembly to rotate and skid. Despite applying heavy left brake, the main gear collapsed and the aircraft slid to a stop. Post-crash examination revealed a failed link in the right main landing gear.

Incident Summary

During the landing roll, approximately 1,000 feet after touchdown, the scissors on the right main landing gear strut disconnected. This caused the wheel assembly to rotate and skid. The pilot applied heavy left brake in an attempt to keep the aircraft straight on the runway, but the main gear subsequently collapsed and the aircraft slid to a stop.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that after rolling about 1,000 feet, the scissors on the right main landing gear strut disconnected. The wheel assembly then rotated and skidded. The pilot applied heavy left brake to maintain directional control, but the main gear collapsed and the aircraft slid to a stop.

Post-Crash Examination

Examination of the landing gear after the accident revealed that the right main landing gear link had failed. This failure caused the wheel to rotate 90 degrees, which subsequently led to the collapse of the main gear.

Probable cause

Failure of the right main landing gear link, causing the wheel to rotate 90 degrees and subsequent collapse of the main gear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32140. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.