No fatalities

Nose Landing Gear Malfunction Leads to Hard Landing and Pilot Termination (N6935C)

Blanding, UT, US

On August 13, 1998, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N6935C) was involved in an aviation accident near Blanding, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate landing flare, causing components of the nose wheel landing gear to fracture. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported a nose landing gear malfunction, diverted to another airport, and landed with the gear retracted. Inspection revealed hard landing damage. Two witnesses and a passenger corroborated the event. The pilot was subsequently terminated.

Incident Details

A pilot informed his employer that the nose landing gear would not extend during flight. He then diverted to an alternate airport and executed a landing with the nose gear in the retracted position.

Inspection and Evidence

Following the landing, an inspection of the aircraft disclosed damage that was consistent with a hard landing. Two witnesses later reported having observed the hard landing. Additionally, a passenger aboard the airplane later corroborated the report of the event.

Personnel Action

The pilot was subsequently terminated from his position. Attempts to contact the pilot after the termination were unsuccessful.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Aug 1998 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Blanding, UT?

A pilot reported a nose landing gear malfunction, diverted to another airport, and landed with the gear retracted. Inspection revealed hard landing damage. Two witnesses and a passenger corroborated the event. The pilot was subsequently terminated.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Aug 1998 Piper PA-34-200T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Aug 1998 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N6935C, at Blanding, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate landing flare, causing components of the nose wheel landing gear to fracture.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10859. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.