On March 12, 1989, a Piper PA-34-220T (registration N8417H) was involved in an aviation accident near ST Augustine, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADVERTENTLY RETRACTION OF THE LANDING GEAR, AND FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI) TO NOTE THAT THE GEAR HAD BEEN RETRACTED. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: IMPROPER FLARE BY THE STUDENT PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a training landing in a multi-engine aircraft, a hard landing caused a bounce, followed by a touchdown with the landing gear retracted. Inspection revealed no mechanical failure.
Incident Description
A multi-engine private pilot, receiving instruction from a certified flight instructor (CFI), was performing a landing. The pilot reported that the touchdown occurred on the main landing gear, describing it as "slightly hard," after which the aircraft floated up a couple of feet. Touching down again approximately 50 yards further down the runway, the aircraft landed on its wheels but seemed low. The CFI acknowledged that a flat approach resulted in a "slight bounce of about 3 feet."
Post-Inspection
Following the incident, the aircraft was placed on jacks and underwent eight retraction and extension cycles of the landing gear. The gear operated normally throughout the tests. Investigators found no evidence of any malfunction or failure. Scuff marks on the sidewalls of the main gear tires indicated that the landing gear was retracted while the aircraft was skidding along the runway.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 Mar 1989 Piper PA-34-220T accident near ST Augustine, FL?
During a training landing in a multi-engine aircraft, a hard landing caused a bounce, followed by a touchdown with the landing gear retracted. Inspection revealed no mechanical failure.
Were there any fatalities in the 12 Mar 1989 Piper PA-34-220T accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Mar 1989 involved a Piper PA-34-220T, registration N8417H, at ST Augustine, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
INADVERTENTLY RETRACTION OF THE LANDING GEAR, AND FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI) TO NOTE THAT THE GEAR HAD BEEN RETRACTED. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: IMPROPER FLARE BY THE STUDENT PILOT.
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