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Hard Landing on Runway Causes Landing Gear Separation (N4593T)

Eek, AK, US

On May 3, 1991, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N4593T) operated by Camai Air was involved in an aviation accident near Eek, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: WAS THE HARD LANDING CAUSED WHEN THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT DURING THE FINAL APPROACH PORTION OF THE LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DOWNDRAFT AND THE DIRT/RIVER BANK JUST SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported encountering a downdraft on short final, resulting in a touchdown short of the runway, a bounce, and a hard landing that separated all landing gear.

Accident Summary

A pilot-in-command reported that her airplane experienced a hard landing on a runway, leading to the separation of all landing gear from the fuselage.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot-in-command, she encountered a downdraft while on short final approach. The airplane first touched down about 4 feet short of the runway surface. After the initial touchdown, the airplane bounced, then landed hard on the runway. This hard landing caused all landing gear to separate from the fuselage.

Environmental Conditions

The point of first touchdown was on a slope that descended away from the runway at approximately 30 degrees. The end of the runway was located about 100 feet from a river bank, which dropped rapidly by about 20 feet.

Sequence of Events

The approach proceeded normally until the downdraft was encountered. The unintended touchdown short of the runway occurred on the sloped area. The subsequent bounce and hard landing on the runway proper resulted in structural failure of the landing gear attachment points.

Weather

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 May 1991 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Eek, AK?

A pilot reported encountering a downdraft on short final, resulting in a touchdown short of the runway, a bounce, and a hard landing that separated all landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 May 1991 Piper PA-32-300 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 May 1991 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N4593T, operated by Camai Air, at Eek, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

WAS THE HARD LANDING CAUSED WHEN THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT DURING THE FINAL APPROACH PORTION OF THE LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DOWNDRAFT AND THE DIRT/RIVER BANK JUST SHORT OF THE RUNWAY.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16898. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.