On July 27, 1997, a Piper PA-24-260 (registration N9396P) was involved in an aviation accident near Burnsville, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to verify that the main cabin door was closed and latched before takeoff, and subsequent distraction due to the perceived emergency, leading to a landing short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot failed to secure the main cabin door before takeoff, causing it to open after departure. Distracted, he landed short of the runway, resulting in gear separation and the airplane coming to rest in a ravine.
Accident Sequence
Before takeoff, the pilot did not verify that the main cabin door was closed and latched. After takeoff, the door opened. In response, the pilot maneuvered the airplane to land in the opposite direction from the takeoff heading.
The pilot stated that he became distracted due to the perceived emergency. He landed approximately 6 feet short of the runway on upsloping terrain. During the landing, the left main landing gear separated from the airplane. The airplane then bounced onto the runway and subsequently off it, entering a 25-foot deep ravine where it came to rest upright.
Findings
The investigation identified that the pilot failed to ensure the main cabin door was closed and latched prior to departure. The distraction caused by the open door led to an unstabilized approach and landing short of the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to verify that the main cabin door was closed and latched before takeoff, and subsequent distraction due to the perceived emergency, leading to a landing short of the runway.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 27 Jul 1997 Piper PA-24-260 accident near Burnsville, NC?
A pilot failed to secure the main cabin door before takeoff, causing it to open after departure. Distracted, he landed short of the runway, resulting in gear separation and the airplane coming to rest in a ravine.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jul 1997 Piper PA-24-260 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Jul 1997 involved a Piper PA-24-260, registration N9396P, at Burnsville, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to verify that the main cabin door was closed and latched before takeoff, and subsequent distraction due to the perceived emergency, leading to a landing short of the runway.
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