On April 6, 1998, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N8269A) operated by David C. Salter was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Lauderdale, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of O-rings in the left main landing gear hydraulic cylinder, resulting in hydraulic fluid leakage and inability to fully extend the gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise, a solvent-like odor was noticed. The gear warning light cycled then stayed on. A flyby was conducted but gear could not be lowered with safe indication. On landing rollout, the left main gear collapsed due to hydraulic O-ring failure.
Incident Description
During cruise flight, the pilot detected a fragrance similar to solvent. Shortly thereafter, the landing gear warning light illuminated, extinguished, repeated this sequence, and ultimately remained illuminated continuously. The air traffic control tower was notified of the situation, and a flyby was performed to allow visual assessment.
Landing and Collapse
Attempts to extend all three landing gear and obtain a safe gear indication were unsuccessful. During the subsequent landing rollout, the left main landing gear collapsed.
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination revealed that the left main landing gear would not fully extend. The O-rings in the hydraulic cylinder had failed, and hydraulic fluid had leaked out.
Probable cause
Failure of O-rings in the left main landing gear hydraulic cylinder, resulting in hydraulic fluid leakage and inability to fully extend the gear.