On July 31, 1993, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N3053N) operated by Golden Enterprises, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fresno, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE FLARE AND HIS IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM THE RESULTING BOUNCED LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE ALTERNATOR FAILURE AND THE NIGHT CONDITION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An airplane experienced an alternator failure about 10 minutes from its destination. The pilot, on an IFR personal flight at night under VMC, received radar vectors for a straight-in approach. The airplane landed hard, damaging the nose gear during the second touchdown.
Incident Overview
An airplane sustained an alternator failure approximately 10 minutes before reaching its destination airport. The pilot was conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) personal flight. The flight occurred during a bright night under visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
Flight Details
Following the alternator failure, the pilot requested and received radar vectors for a straight-in approach to the destination airport. The approach was executed under the guidance of air traffic control.
Landing and Damage
Upon landing, the airplane touched down hard. During the second touchdown, the nose gear sustained damage. No further details about the extent of the damage or other potential injuries were provided in the source.
What happened in the 31 Jul 1993 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Fresno, CA?
An airplane experienced an alternator failure about 10 minutes from its destination. The pilot, on an IFR personal flight at night under VMC, received radar vectors for a straight-in approach. The airplane landed hard, damaging the nose gear during the second touchdown.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jul 1993 Piper PA-28-181 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Jul 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N3053N, operated by Golden Enterprises, Inc., at Fresno, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE FLARE AND HIS IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM THE RESULTING BOUNCED LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE ALTERNATOR FAILURE AND THE NIGHT CONDITION.
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