No fatalities

Landing Gear Collapse Following Flat Tire During Touchdown (N33036)

Morris, IL, US

On September 16, 2000, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N33036) was involved in an aviation accident near Morris, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a flat left main gear tire at touchdown and subsequent departure from the runway. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

The aircraft departed the runway after a flat left main gear tire caused directional control loss and nose gear collapse upon touchdown.

What happened

The pilot reported an inability to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. As the aircraft traveled off the west side of the runway, it collided with a ditch. The impact resulted in significant structural damage, specifically causing the nose gear to collapse and the left main gear to twist.

The investigation

A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed that the left main gear tire was flat at the moment of touchdown. Further examination found no holes or punctures in the tire. The pilot stated he had serviced all three landing gear tires prior to takeoff, indicating the tire failure occurred during the flight or just before landing without external damage.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a flat left main gear tire at touchdown and subsequent departure from the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Sept 2000 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Morris, IL?

The aircraft departed the runway after a flat left main gear tire caused directional control loss and nose gear collapse upon touchdown.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Sept 2000 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Sept 2000 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N33036, at Morris, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a flat left main gear tire at touchdown and subsequent departure from the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21932. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.