Casualties unknown

1998-05-21: Piper PA-44-180 (N2153B) — Mazzeis Flying Service — Fresno, CA

Fresno, CA, US

On May 21, 1998, a Piper PA-44-180 (registration N2153B) operated by Mazzeis Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Fresno, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The dual's student improper flare that led to the right main landing gear collapsing. A related factor in the accident was the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a dual instructional flight, a simulated engine failure landing resulted in the right main landing gear breaking and collapsing on rollout, causing the right wing to strike the ground.

Incident Overview

A dual instructional flight was returning to base after practicing maneuvers and takeoffs and landings at an alternate airport. In the traffic pattern, the flight instructor simulated an engine failure. The student recovered and performed a full stop landing.

Landing and Gear Failure

During the landing rollout, the aircraft veered to the right. The instructor applied full left rudder, but the aircraft continued veering right. The instructor brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway and requested and received permission from the tower to exit and inspect the landing gear. The instructor observed that the right main landing gear was broken.

Collapse of Landing Gear

Upon attempting to re-enter the aircraft, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground.

Pilot Statements

The instructor and student initially submitted written statements that the landing was not hard. However, in subsequent interviews, both stated that the landing was hard. The student also expressed uncertainty about whether the aircraft had been properly aligned with the runway.

Examination of Landing Gear

An examination of the aircraft and the landing gear mechanism was conducted at the accident location. The right landing gear had separated from the wing, with the front and rear attach fittings broken, exhibiting outboard loading. The landing gear had collapsed toward the fuselage. No further mechanical anomalies were noted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10141. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.