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Landing Gear Failure During Hard Landing on Runway 27 (N2957V)

Cheswold, DE, US

On September 27, 1991, a Beech 35 (registration N2957V) operated by Clinton H. Leeland was involved in an aviation accident near Cheswold, DE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a hard touchdown and subsequent gear collapse. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft sustained significant damage after a hard landing with a right crab, causing the right gear to break away and the plane to veer into a ditch.

What happened

The pilot executed a landing that resulted in a hard touchdown near the approach end of runway 27. The aircraft was aligned with a 20-degree right crab at the moment of impact. Upon contact with the pavement, the right landing gear assembly broke away from the airframe. The airplane continued its forward momentum for approximately 150 feet down the length of the runway before veering sharply to the right.

The aircraft ultimately came to rest after striking a small drainage ditch located about 20 feet north of the runway edge.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a hard touchdown and subsequent gear collapse.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Beech 35 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Sept 1991 Beech 35 accident near Cheswold, DE?

Aircraft sustained significant damage after a hard landing with a right crab, causing the right gear to break away and the plane to veer into a ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Sept 1991 involved a Beech 35, registration N2957V, operated by Clinton H. Leeland, at Cheswold, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a hard touchdown and subsequent gear collapse.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18041. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.