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Runway Strike During Final Approach Results in Landing Gear Failure (N4419Q)

Sacramento, CA, US

On April 2, 2000, an Owens/richburg VANS RV6-A (registration N4419Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Sacramento, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of aircraft control during the base-to-final turn, which resulted in the left wing tip striking the runway and subsequent landing gear collapse. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck its left wing tip on the runway during the base-to-final turn, shearing off the nose gear and collapsing the main gear.

What happened

The flight was cleared to land behind another airplane already on the runway. During the transition from the base leg to the final approach, the pilot lost lateral control of the aircraft. The left wing tip made contact with the runway surface.

The impact caused significant structural damage to the landing gear assembly. The nose landing gear was sheared off completely. The main landing gear collapsed aftward but remained attached to the airframe.

The investigation

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure with the flight controls or propulsion systems. The damage was consistent with the reported ground contact during the approach phase.

No mechanical malfunctions were noted that would have contributed to the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of aircraft control during the base-to-final turn, which resulted in the left wing tip striking the runway and subsequent landing gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Apr 2000 Owens/richburg VANS RV6-A accident near Sacramento, CA?

An aircraft struck its left wing tip on the runway during the base-to-final turn, shearing off the nose gear and collapsing the main gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Apr 2000 Owens/richburg VANS RV6-A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Apr 2000 involved an Owens/richburg VANS RV6-A, registration N4419Q, at Sacramento, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of aircraft control during the base-to-final turn, which resulted in the left wing tip striking the runway and subsequent landing gear collapse.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20846. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.