On July 4, 1997, a Piper PA-31T (registration N974DC) was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's failure to follow the landing checklist. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft registered N974DC. Photo: DUNCAN KIRK from Coeur d'Alene, United States / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
During flare, pilot realized gear not extended; go-around attempt too late. Propellers contacted runway, aircraft skipped and hit hangar.
Event Sequence
A pilot operating an on-demand air taxi flight conducted a wheels up landing after an uneventful 1.5-hour flight. According to the pilot's report, during the flare he realized that the landing gear was not extended. He attempted to execute a go-around, but the maneuver was initiated too late. The right propeller contacted the runway surface first, followed by the left propeller. The aircraft then skipped down the runway, went through grass, and impacted a hangar.
The flight was described as uneventful prior to the landing attempt. No other details about the aircraft or operating conditions were provided in the report.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Jul 1997 Piper PA-31T accident near Austin, TX?
During flare, pilot realized gear not extended; go-around attempt too late. Propellers contacted runway, aircraft skipped and hit hangar.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 1997 Piper PA-31T accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jul 1997 involved a Piper PA-31T, registration N974DC, at Austin, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's failure to follow the landing checklist.
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