Casualties unknown

1990-04-17: Piper PA46 (N4387S) — Piper Aircraft Corp. — Paso Robles, CA

Paso Robles, CA, US

On April 17, 1990, a Piper PA46 (registration N4387S) operated by Piper Aircraft Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Paso Robles, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE ALTITUDE FOR PROPER LANDING GEAR EXTENSION; NOT ENSURING THE LANDING GEAR WAS DOWN AND LOCKED; COMPLACENCY OF THE CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a simulated engine failure training flight, the left main landing gear did not fully extend and collapsed on touchdown, causing the left wing to strike the runway.

Circumstances

According to statements from all three individuals on board, the flight was conducting a training exercise near Paso Robles Airport. Upon arriving in the vicinity of the airport at approximately 5,800 feet above the airport, the instructor shut down the engine to simulate an engine failure. The pilot being trained was instructed to glide the aircraft to a safe landing at the airport.

Sequence of Events

During the simulated emergency descent, the pilot being trained asked several times if the landing gear should not be extended until the turn from base to final was being made. The witnesses aboard the aircraft stated that on short final, at a very low altitude, the gear was lowered using the emergency gear extension procedure. The left main landing gear did not fully extend and lock into position prior to the aircraft touching down on the runway.

Aftermath

On touchdown, the left main gear collapsed, causing the left wing to collide with the runway. No other details were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22954. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.