Aircraft Landing Gear Failure Following Short Landing

Casualties unknown • Palo Alto, CA, US

A pilot experienced an excessive sink rate during an approach to runway 30, resulting in a landing short of the pavement that sheared off the left main landing gear.

What happened

During an approach to runway 30, the pilot was maintaining a target airspeed of 85 knots. At approximately 100 feet above ground level, the pilot observed an excessive sink rate and noted that the airspeed had increased to approximately 97 knots. In an attempt to reduce the sink rate, the pilot attempted to trade airspeed for a shallower descent.

The aircraft landed approximately 2 feet short of the runway centerline/pavement edge and struck the lip of the pavement. The impact sheered off the left main gear, which remained attached to the trunnion only by the brake lines as the aircraft traveled down the runway. The aircraft came to a rest approximately 600 feet down the runway. During the excursion, the left wing also struck a taxiway sign.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to trade airspeed for a reduced sink rate failed to prevent the aircraft from impacting the pavement edge, leading to the structural failure of the left main landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-03-05 Piper PA-46-310 accident near Palo Alto, CA?

A pilot experienced an excessive sink rate during an approach to runway 30, resulting in a landing short of the pavement that sheared off the left main landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-03-05 involved a Piper PA-46-310, registration N43412, operated by Joseph J. Grzebik, at Palo Alto, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to trade airspeed for a reduced sink rate failed to prevent the aircraft from impacting the pavement edge, leading to the structural failure of the left main landing gear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20668. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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