Casualties unknown

Gear-Up Landing After Electrical Power Loss and Go-Around (N427KP)

Cedar Rapids, IA, US

On February 2, 1992, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N427KP) operated by Pribyls Wings, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar Rapids, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A RESULT OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND NOT UNDERSTANDING THE AIRPLANES EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND NOT PERFORMING THE APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. A FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT WAS AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. 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 an IFR flight, a gradual loss of electrical power due to a faulty voltage regulator led to a gear-up landing. The pilot performed a go-around after receiving a red light from the tower and landed with gear retracted.

Incident Overview

During an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight, the pilot observed a gradual decline in electrical power. The cause was a faulty voltage regulator. In response, the pilot requested a routing change from the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) with the intention of landing at an airport.

Approach and Go-Around

According to the pilot, he circled over the airport until receiving a green light from the air traffic control (ATC) tower, indicating clearance to land. However, while on final approach, the pilot received a red light from the tower. He then initiated a go-around maneuver and began a second approach shortly thereafter.

Second Approach and Landing

During the second landing approach, the airplane made a gear-up landing. When asked whether he utilized the emergency gear extension system, the pilot stated that he did not because he thought he felt the landing gear drag.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Feb 1992 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Cedar Rapids, IA?

During an IFR flight, a gradual loss of electrical power due to a faulty voltage regulator led to a gear-up landing. The pilot performed a go-around after receiving a red light from the tower and landed with gear retracted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Feb 1992 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N427KP, operated by Pribyls Wings, Inc, at Cedar Rapids, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A RESULT OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND NOT UNDERSTANDING THE AIRPLANES EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND NOT PERFORMING THE APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. A FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT WAS AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14080. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.