FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Landing Incident Results in Gear Collapse and Runway Excursion (N2988R)

Eden Prairie, MN, US

On November 26, 1998, a Piper PA-28-R200 (registration N2988R) was involved in an aviation accident near Eden Prairie, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot misjudged the flare and did not maintain directional control during touchdown. A factor was the VASI lights. 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

During landing on Runway 27L, the pilot reported a left drift after flare, leading to a loss of steering, a skid, and impact with a VASI support stand. The right main gear collapsed and punched through the wing spar.

Event Description

The pilot reported that during the landing flare over the numbers of runway 27L, the nose alignment drifted slightly left. The left main landing gear touched down first, followed shortly by the right main gear. The nose gear touched down 3 to 5 seconds after the right main gear.

Loss of Control

According to the pilot, the airplane continued its landing roll for less than 2 seconds after the nose gear touched down before all steering was lost. The airplane then swerved hard left and began skidding, with the right side of the aircraft turned slightly.

Impact and Damage

The right wingtip struck the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) support stand. The airplane subsequently spun 90 degrees clockwise before coming to a stop. The pilot reported that the VASI light fell onto the right wing and collapsed the right main gear. The damage to the airplane included the right main gear being collapsed and punching through the wing spar.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Nov 1998 Piper PA-28-R200 accident near Eden Prairie, MN?

During landing on Runway 27L, the pilot reported a left drift after flare, leading to a loss of steering, a skid, and impact with a VASI support stand. The right main gear collapsed and punched through the wing spar.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Nov 1998 Piper PA-28-R200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Nov 1998 involved a Piper PA-28-R200, registration N2988R, at Eden Prairie, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot misjudged the flare and did not maintain directional control during touchdown. A factor was the VASI lights.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11396. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.