What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-11-08 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N7277Y, at Leavenworth, KS.

Landing Gear Collapse After Inadvertent Retraction During Rollout (N7277Y)

On November 8, 1987, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7277Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Leavenworth, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently moved the landing gear switch to the retract position while rolling out on the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During landing practice, the pilot inadvertently moved the gear switch to retract while rolling out, causing gear retraction on the runway and damaging the system. After takeoff, the gear could not be cycled, leading to collapse on landing.

Incident Overview

While practicing landings and takeoffs, the pilot in command (PIC) inadvertently moved the landing gear switch into the retract cycle during the rollout phase. This action caused the landing gear to begin its retraction sequence while the aircraft was still on the runway, resulting in damage to the retraction system.

Pilot Actions

After the inadvertent retraction, the pilot elected to take off. Once airborne, the pilot was unable to cycle the landing gear in either direction, indicating a malfunction of the retraction system.

Landing and Outcome

The pilot proceeded to land with the landing gear in an intermediate position due to the inability to extend or retract it fully. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed.

Damage

The retraction system was damaged during the initial retraction on the runway, and the subsequent landing gear collapse likely caused additional damage to the aircraft structure.

Probable cause

The pilot inadvertently moved the landing gear switch to the retract position while rolling out on the runway.

1987-11-08: Piper PA-30 (N7277Y) — Leavenworth, KS