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Landing Gear Collapse After Electrical Power Loss (N8386H)

Truckee, CA, US

On August 12, 1995, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N8386H) operated by D'ascoli, Vincent P was involved in an aviation accident near Truckee, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A FAILURE IN THE AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE (OR INABILITY) TO EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR WITH THE EMERGENCY EXTENSION SYSTEM. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO CONTINUE THE FLIGHT WITH A KNOWN DEFICIENCY. 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

The pilot left the courtesy light on, depleting battery power. External power was used to start the engine. Electrical issues occurred at 200 feet during gear retraction. The pilot continued without electrical power, and the right main gear collapsed on landing.

Initial Electrical Issue

The airplane's courtesy light was left on, depleting the battery power. The pilot started the engine using external power. During the engine run-up, the electrical system indicated that the alternator was charging the battery.

In-Flight Electrical Failure

The pilot departed with the battery still charging. About 200 feet above the ground, while the gear motor was retracting the landing gear, the electrical radio equipment flashed on and off. The pilot recycled the master switch and smelled something burning. He elected to continue the approximately one-hour flight to his destination without electrical power.

Landing and Gear Collapse

While en route, the pilot encountered turbulence, slowed the airplane, and manually lowered the landing gear. For landing, he turned on the master switch, and the burning smell returned. The pilot landed the airplane without electrical power and was unable to determine if the landing gear was safe. During touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane veered off the right side of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Aug 1995 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Truckee, CA?

The pilot left the courtesy light on, depleting battery power. External power was used to start the engine. Electrical issues occurred at 200 feet during gear retraction. The pilot continued without electrical power, and the right main gear collapsed on landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Aug 1995 Piper PA-32R-301T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Aug 1995 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N8386H, operated by D'ascoli, Vincent P, at Truckee, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A FAILURE IN THE AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE (OR INABILITY) TO EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR WITH THE EMERGENCY EXTENSION SYSTEM. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO CONTINUE THE FLIGHT WITH A KNOWN DEFICIENCY.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04290. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.