Casualties unknown

1993-01-02: Piper PA-30 (N7712Y) — Upchurch, Cornell P. — Crossville, TN

Crossville, TN, US

On January 2, 1993, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7712Y) operated by Upchurch, Cornell P. was involved in an aviation accident near Crossville, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW CHECKLIST PROCEDURES IN THAT HE DID NOT UTILIZE THE ALTERNATE GEAR EXTENSION METHOD WHEN ELECTRICAL POWER WAS LOST. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

About 30 minutes into a local flight, a private pilot lost all electrical power. Unable to lower flaps and with no gear-down indication, he raised the gear handle and landed. The aircraft sustained structural damage. Post-landing checks showed the gear and lights functioned normally when power was restored.

Incident Details

Approximately 30 minutes after departure on a local flight, the private pilot reported a total loss of electrical power. The loss prevented operation of the flaps, and when the pilot lowered the landing gear handle, none of the three green gear-down indicator lights illuminated. Faced with this situation, the pilot elected to raise the gear handle and proceed with the landing.

Landing and Damage

During the landing, the aircraft sustained structural damage. The extent of the damage is unspecified in the report, but the aircraft was subsequently removed from the runway.

Post-Landing Discovery

After the aircraft was moved, an employee of a fixed-base operator (FBO) lowered the landing gear handle. The gear then extended and locked into place. When the master electrical switch was turned on, all three green gear-down indicator lights illuminated normally.

Pilot's Report

The pilot stated that he did not attempt to use the manual alternate gear extension method. He also reported that the electrical power loss could have resulted from his failure to turn on the generators during the flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11648. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.