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Nose Gear Collapses During Practice Landing (N8301F)

Grayslake, IL, US

On July 15, 1989, a Piper PA-32-301 (registration N8301F) was involved in an aviation accident near Grayslake, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER FLARE AND RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING, AND HIS FAILURE TO GO AROUND (WHEN THERE WAS SUFFICIENT SPEED AND RUNWAY REMAINING). A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS HIS LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE IN TYPE OF AIRCRAFT. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a re-familiarization flight, a pilot reported insufficient flare on third touchdown, causing nose wheel first contact and collapse of nose gear. The pilot had limited recent experience in the aircraft type.

Narrative

A pilot was conducting a flight to practice takeoffs and landings for the purpose of aircraft re-familiarization before a planned cross-country flight. During the landing sequence, the aircraft bounced three times. The pilot reported that on the third touchdown, he was "not able to achieve sufficient flare to avoid touching down nose wheel first." Following the nose wheel-first touchdown, the nose gear collapsed. The aircraft came to rest nose-down on the runway.

Pilot Experience

During the previous 90 days, the pilot had accrued 3.5 hours in this make and model of aircraft. However, since May 20, 1989, all of his flight time had been in another type of aircraft which had different landing characteristics.

Conclusion

The accident resulted in the collapse of the nose gear after a nose wheel-first touchdown during a practice landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jul 1989 Piper PA-32-301 accident near Grayslake, IL?

During a re-familiarization flight, a pilot reported insufficient flare on third touchdown, causing nose wheel first contact and collapse of nose gear. The pilot had limited recent experience in the aircraft type.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jul 1989 Piper PA-32-301 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jul 1989 involved a Piper PA-32-301, registration N8301F, at Grayslake, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER FLARE AND RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING, AND HIS FAILURE TO GO AROUND (WHEN THERE WAS SUFFICIENT SPEED AND RUNWAY REMAINING). A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS HIS LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE IN TYPE OF AIRCRAFT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28776. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.