Landing Gear Collapse After Barrier Impact on Closed Runway

Casualties unknown • Vidalia, GA, US

A pilot landed on a closed runway despite a NOTAM issued months prior, striking a barrier that caused the left main landing gear to collapse.

What happened

The pilot reported obtaining a weather and NOTAM briefing before departing for a VFR flight. Upon arrival at the destination airport, the aircraft touched down on runway 24. Shortly after landing, the airplane collided with a barrier located on the runway. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse.

The investigation

Investigators coordinated with FAA Automated Flight Service Stations to verify the pilot's claims regarding pre-flight preparations. No record was found of any weather or NOTAM briefing provided to the accident pilot. A review of records showed that a NOTAM closing runway 24 had been issued three months prior to the accident.

Findings

Following the accident, the FAA examined the runway and determined that the closed runway was marked in accordance with required publications. The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's failure to review available information regarding the closure of the active runway.

N00000 landed on runway 24, which was closed, leading to a collision with a barrier and left main landing gear collapse. The investigation found no record of a briefing provided to the pilot, despite a NOTAM closing the runway being issued three months earlier. The FAA confirmed the closed runway was properly marked.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to review available information regarding the closure of the active runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-10-14 Piper PA-32RT accident near Vidalia, GA?

A pilot landed on a closed runway despite a NOTAM issued months prior, striking a barrier that caused the left main landing gear to collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-10-14 involved a Piper PA-32RT, registration N39525, at Vidalia, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to review available information regarding the closure of the active runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11306. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…