On August 15, 1998, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N9721D) was involved in an aviation accident near Paris, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper control during the final approach, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and a hard landing that overstressed the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported an uncontrolled descent during final approach to runway 27, resulting in a hard landing that collapsed both nose and left main landing gear shortly after touchdown.
What happened
The pilot initiated a final approach for runway 27. During the maneuver, the pilot noted that the aircraft appeared to be positioned too high relative to the desired glide path. In response, flaps were extended in an attempt to increase descent rate. However, the subsequent descent became uncontrolled. The aircraft impacted the sod surface of the runway approximately 400 feet from the approach end with significant force.
The investigation
Post-acc examination revealed that the nose landing gear and the left main landing gear had collapsed upon impact. An inspection of the airframe confirmed there were no pre-existing mechanical defects or known issues with the airplane prior to the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper control during the final approach, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and a hard landing that overstressed the landing gear.
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