On October 26, 1995, a Piper PA-34 (registration N8LP) operated by Willard Nickish was involved in an aviation accident near Indianapolis, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to lower the landing gear. Factors which contributed to the accident were: inadequate preflight necessitating a precautionary landing and the pilot's failure to use the pre-landing checklist. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot did not check fuel cap security after refueling, leading to fuel venting during takeoff. Returning for landing without the prelanding checklist, the aircraft touched down with gear retracted. The missing fuel cap was later found on the runway.
Incident Details
According to the investigation, the aircraft had just been refueled prior to departure. The pilot reported that he did not check the fuel caps for security. After takeoff, fuel began venting from the left fuel tank. The pilot decided to return to the departure airport for landing. During the approach, the pilot did not complete his normal prelanding checklist and subsequently landed with the landing gear retracted.
Aftermath and Findings
Following the incident, airport personnel inspected the runway and discovered the left fuel cap. Postflight checks of the landing gear system revealed that it was operating correctly. The pilot's omission of the prelanding checklist resulted in the gear-up landing, while the unsecured fuel cap allowed fuel to vent during flight.
What happened in the 26 Oct 1995 Piper PA-34 accident near Indianapolis, IN?
A pilot did not check fuel cap security after refueling, leading to fuel venting during takeoff. Returning for landing without the prelanding checklist, the aircraft touched down with gear retracted. The missing fuel cap was later found on the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Oct 1995 involved a Piper PA-34, registration N8LP, operated by Willard Nickish, at Indianapolis, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to lower the landing gear. Factors which contributed to the accident were: inadequate preflight necessitating a precautionary landing and the pilot's failure to use the pre-landing checklist.
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