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Casualties unknown

Left Main Gear Collapse During High-Wind Landing Rollout (N15268)

Hooper Bay, AK, US

On July 1, 1988, a Piper PA-32 (registration N15268) operated by Delta Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Hooper Bay, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the left main gear during the landing rollout, which occurred after a hard touchdown in strong wind conditions. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A commercially certificated pilot experienced a hard landing in strong winds, resulting in the collapse of the left main gear during the rollout phase.

What happened

The pilot, holding commercial certification, was attempting to land an aircraft under challenging weather conditions. Winds were estimated at 30 knots with gusts reaching 40 knots. Shortly before touchdown, the aircraft encountered a downdraft, which resulted in a harder-than-normal landing impact.

During the later stages of the landing rollout, the pilot applied the brakes. At this point, the left main gear leg collapsed, causing significant damage to the aircraft's landing gear structure.

Probable cause

The collapse of the left main gear during the landing rollout, which occurred after a hard touchdown in strong wind conditions.
Weather

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jul 1988 Piper PA-32 accident near Hooper Bay, AK?

A commercially certificated pilot experienced a hard landing in strong winds, resulting in the collapse of the left main gear during the rollout phase.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jul 1988 involved a Piper PA-32, registration N15268, operated by Delta Air Service, at Hooper Bay, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collapse of the left main gear during the landing rollout, which occurred after a hard touchdown in strong wind conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25848. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.