On June 16, 1989, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N36345) operated by North American Ins OF Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Las Cruces, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left main landing gear trunnion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The left main landing gear collapsed shortly after touchdown, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. Investigators found the failure resulted from a fractured left main landing gear trunnion in an area covered by a manufacturer service bulletin.
Incident Description
Shortly after touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft subsequently veered off the left side of the runway, sustaining additional damage.
Investigation Findings
Examination determined that the left main landing gear had collapsed due to a failure of the left main landing gear trunnion. The trunnion fractured in a region that had been addressed by Piper Service Bulletin #787A.
Service Bulletin Details
Piper Service Bulletin #787A mandated an inspection of the trunnion upon reaching the first 1,000 hours of time in service, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the trunnion was replaced with a modified component. Records indicated that the aircraft had accumulated 67 flight hours since the most recent inspection.
Probable cause
Failure of the left main landing gear trunnion.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Jun 1989 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Las Cruces, NM?
The left main landing gear collapsed shortly after touchdown, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. Investigators found the failure resulted from a fractured left main landing gear trunnion in an area covered by a manufacturer service bulletin.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jun 1989 Piper PA-34-200T accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Jun 1989 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N36345, operated by North American Ins OF Aviation, at Las Cruces, NM.
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