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Initial Landing in Single-Seat Airplane Ends in Short Landing and Gear Separation (N6795Z)

Kutztown, PA, US

On June 13, 1993, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N6795Z) operated by Granite Sales, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kutztown, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER GLIDEPATH AND EXECUTE A PROPER FLARE. LACK OF FAMILIARITY IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. 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 the first landing in a single-seat airplane, the pilot reduced power to idle at 150 feet. The aircraft touched down 50 feet short of the runway, causing the left main gear to separate at the tubular connection between the spring gear halves.

Incident Description

The pilot was performing his initial landing in a single-seat airplane. According to the pilot's account, the glide angle and touchdown point appeared satisfactory until the airplane was 150 feet from the runway edge. At that point, the pilot purposely reduced engine power to idle. As expected, the nose dropped, and the pilot applied back elevator. While the nose responded, the elevator input failed to maintain the flare angle to the runway edge. The landing occurred approximately 50 feet short of the runway. Upon impact, the landing gear failed at the tubular connection joining the left and right spring gear, resulting in the left main gear separating from the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jun 1993 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Kutztown, PA?

During the first landing in a single-seat airplane, the pilot reduced power to idle at 150 feet. The aircraft touched down 50 feet short of the runway, causing the left main gear to separate at the tubular connection between the spring gear halves.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jun 1993 Piper PA-25-235 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jun 1993 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N6795Z, operated by Granite Sales, Inc., at Kutztown, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER GLIDEPATH AND EXECUTE A PROPER FLARE. LACK OF FAMILIARITY IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12697. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.