On August 14, 1994, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N5063P) operated by Mcpartland, James R. was involved in an aviation accident near Nehalem, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE SEPARATION OF THE LANDING GEAR TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY FROM ITS ATTACH BRACKET RIVETS DUE TO UNDETERMINED REASONS. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE LANDING GEAR TO BE LOCKED DOWN DURING THE LANDING ROLL DUE TO THIS SEPARATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During rollout following a normal landing, the landing gear suddenly collapsed. Examination revealed that attachment rivets of the landing gear transmission failed due to undetermined reasons, with some rivets sheared prior to the flight.
Accident Overview
During the approach, the pilot verified that the landing gear was down and locked several times. After a normal landing, the landing gear suddenly collapsed during rollout. The incident occurred without any prior indication of mechanical issues.
Examination Findings
An examination of the airplane revealed that the attachment rivets of the landing gear transmission had failed due to undetermined reasons. The transmission had completely separated from the attach bracket. Further inspection showed that some of the rivets were sheared out prior to the accident flight. The exact cause of the rivet failure remains undetermined.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence, the landing gear collapse was directly linked to the failure of the transmission attachment rivets, leading to a loss of structural integrity during rollout.
What happened in the 14 Aug 1994 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Nehalem, OR?
During rollout following a normal landing, the landing gear suddenly collapsed. Examination revealed that attachment rivets of the landing gear transmission failed due to undetermined reasons, with some rivets sheared prior to the flight.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Aug 1994 involved a Piper PA-24-180, registration N5063P, operated by Mcpartland, James R., at Nehalem, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE SEPARATION OF THE LANDING GEAR TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY FROM ITS ATTACH BRACKET RIVETS DUE TO UNDETERMINED REASONS. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE LANDING GEAR TO BE LOCKED DOWN DURING THE LANDING ROLL DUE TO THIS SEPARATION.
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