On July 16, 1994, a Piper PA-20 (registration N6066D) was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from an obstruction (a bush) during the landing flare, which resulted in the collapse of the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The aircraft's left main gear struck a bush near the threshold during landing, causing it to veer left and collapse the right gear before stopping on the airstrip.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a landing operation with the specific intent of avoiding hazardous conditions at the western end of the airstrip. To mitigate these risks, the pilot aimed to touch down as close to the eastern end of the runway as possible. During the final phase of the approach, known as the flare, the aircraft's left main landing gear made contact with a bush located near the threshold of the airstrip.
This impact caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left. As the aircraft continued its uncontrolled movement, the right landing gear subsequently collapsed under the stress. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the airstrip after the pilot managed to turn the aircraft back toward the right.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from an obstruction (a bush) during the landing flare, which resulted in the collapse of the landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Jul 1994 Piper PA-20 accident near Talkeetna, AK?
The aircraft's left main gear struck a bush near the threshold during landing, causing it to veer left and collapse the right gear before stopping on the airstrip.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Jul 1994 involved a Piper PA-20, registration N6066D, at Talkeetna, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from an obstruction (a bush) during the landing flare, which resulted in the collapse of the landing gear.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…