1997-07-27: Piper PA-24-260 — Burnsville, NC

Casualties unknown • Burnsville, NC, US

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to use the checklist to confirm that the main cabin door was closed and locked before takeoff. Also, failure of the pilot to attain the proper touchdown point during the precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the self induced pressure by the pilot.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

Before takeoff the pilot failed to verify that the main cabin door was closed and latched. After takeoff the door opened and he maneuvered the airplane to land in the opposite direction than for takeoff. He stated that he became distracted due to the perceived emergency and landed about 6 feet short of the runway on upsloping terrain. The left main landing gear then separated from the airplane which bounced onto then off the runway into a 25-foot deep ravine where the airplane came to rest upright.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-07-27 Piper PA-24-260 accident near Burnsville, NC?

Before takeoff the pilot failed to verify that the main cabin door was closed and latched. After takeoff the door opened and he maneuvered the airplane to land in the opposite direction than for takeoff. He stated that he became distracted due to the perceived emergency and landed about 6 feet short of the runway on…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-07-27 involved a Piper PA-24-260, registration N9396P, at Burnsville, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pilot to use the checklist to confirm that the main cabin door was closed and locked before takeoff. Also, failure of the pilot to attain the proper touchdown point during the precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the self induced pressure by the pilot.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08470. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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