On October 7, 1994, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N44794) was involved in an aviation accident near Grt Barrington, MA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and descent rate during the approach, resulting in a hard landing that caused the right main landing gear to collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft sustained structural damage to its right main landing gear after a hard bounce during a practice landing approach in the airport traffic pattern.
What happened
The pilot had planned to remain within the airport traffic pattern to conduct practice takeoffs and landings. During the initial approach for landing, the airplane touched down with significant force. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce once before settling onto the runway a second time. Upon this second contact, the right main landing gear collapsed.
The investigation
Examination of the pilot's recent flight history revealed that the total flight time accumulated during the preceding 90 days consisted of only 2 hours as pilot-in-command in an aircraft of a different make and model.
Findings
The collapse of the right main landing gear was directly associated with the hard landing and subsequent bounce. The limited recent experience in similar aircraft operations may have contributed to the control inputs during the final approach and flare.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and descent rate during the approach, resulting in a hard landing that caused the right main landing gear to collapse.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Oct 1994 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Grt Barrington, MA?
A light aircraft sustained structural damage to its right main landing gear after a hard bounce during a practice landing approach in the airport traffic pattern.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Oct 1994 Piper PA-28-140 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Oct 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N44794, at Grt Barrington, MA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and descent rate during the approach, resulting in a hard landing that caused the right main landing gear to collapse.
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