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Casualties unknown

Hard Landing Results in Landing Gear Collapse on Gravel Runway (N410DS)

Jean, NV, US

On May 17, 1993, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N410DS) operated by Air Desert Pacific was involved in an aviation accident near Jean, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 1) THE PILOTS INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT, 2) HIS FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR THE EXISTING GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS, AND, 3) HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE LANDING APPROACH AIRSPEED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 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 private pilot with five passengers made a precautionary landing on a 4,500-foot gravel runway after noticing an unlatched cowl fastener. The airplane landed hard, shearing off both main landing gears and collapsing the nose gear.

Incident Overview

A private pilot, accompanied by five passengers, was conducting a return flight to his home base in a rented airplane. The flight was cruising at 8,500 feet MSL when the pilot observed that the left inboard front cowl fastener was unlatched.

Pilot Actions

The pilot, who was receiving flight advisories from TRACON, requested vectors to the nearest airport for a precautionary landing. Controllers directed him to a 4,500-foot-long gravel runway. The pilot indicated he intended to perform a short field landing on Runway 02.

Landing and Damage

During the landing, the airplane touched down hard, resulting in the shearing off of both main landing gears and collapsing the nose gear. The wind at the time was reported as from 020 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts to 20 knots.

Pilot Experience

The pilot reported having 8 hours of multiengine time as pilot-in-command, with a total multiengine time of 19 hours, all accrued within the preceding 90 days.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 May 1993 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Jean, NV?

A private pilot with five passengers made a precautionary landing on a 4,500-foot gravel runway after noticing an unlatched cowl fastener. The airplane landed hard, shearing off both main landing gears and collapsing the nose gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 May 1993 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N410DS, operated by Air Desert Pacific, at Jean, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

1) THE PILOTS INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT, 2) HIS FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR THE EXISTING GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS, AND, 3) HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE LANDING APPROACH AIRSPEED. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOTS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE OF AIRCRAFT

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12430. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.