On September 24, 1989, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N55357) operated by Randy Bendure was involved in an aviation accident near Lebanon, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT ALLOWED HIS FINAL APPROACH AIRSPEED TO GET TOO SLOW, HE DELAYED IN INITIATING REMEDIAL ACTION, THEN ATTEMPTED AN ABORTED LANDING WITH INADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During approach to land, the pilot followed slow traffic and maintained slow flight. After the preceding aircraft cleared the runway, the pilot noticed airspeed too slow, applied full power, but the aircraft dropped to the runway. During a go-around attempt, the aircraft hit the ground again, collapsing the landing gear.
Incident Summary
The pilot reported that during an approach to land, he was following slow traffic. He stated that he maintained slow flight on final approach until the preceding aircraft cleared the runway. He then noticed his airspeed was too slow and applied full power; however, the aircraft dropped to the runway.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, after the aircraft initially touched down on the runway, he maintained full power in an attempt to go around. He said he was unable to maintain airspeed and altitude. The aircraft subsequently hit the ground again, and the landing gear collapsed. The aircraft then slid across a parallel taxiway and came to a stop.
Outcome
The pilot reported that the landing gear collapsed during the second impact with the ground. The aircraft slid across a parallel taxiway before stopping. No further details from the pilot were provided.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Sept 1989 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Lebanon, OH?
During approach to land, the pilot followed slow traffic and maintained slow flight. After the preceding aircraft cleared the runway, the pilot noticed airspeed too slow, applied full power, but the aircraft dropped to the runway. During a go-around attempt, the aircraft hit the ground again, collapsing the landing…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Sept 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N55357, operated by Randy Bendure, at Lebanon, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT ALLOWED HIS FINAL APPROACH AIRSPEED TO GET TOO SLOW, HE DELAYED IN INITIATING REMEDIAL ACTION, THEN ATTEMPTED AN ABORTED LANDING WITH INADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. THE PILOT'S LACK TOTAL EXPERIENCE WAS CONSIDERED A POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.