On March 31, 2001, a Piper PA-22-108 (registration N4606Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and avoid a surface obstruction (rut) during takeoff, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot experienced a right main landing gear collapse while attempting takeoff from a short, snow-covered tundra site, resulting in the aircraft veering into nearby vegetation.
What happened
The certificated private pilot was operating an airplane equipped with tundra tires during a departure from an unimproved airstrip. The site was characterized by snow cover and measured approximately 800 feet in length. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, it approached the end of the available surface area just prior to becoming airborne.
At this critical moment, the right main wheel encountered a rut within the snow-packed surface. The impact caused the right main landing gear to collapse immediately. Following the structural failure, the airplane veered sharply to the right off the intended flight path and collided with a stand of willows located adjacent to the departure site.
The investigation
Investigation of the event focused on the mechanical integrity of the landing gear following the collision. Examination confirmed that the right main landing gear had collapsed due to the impact with the rut in the snow-covered surface during the takeoff roll.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and avoid a surface obstruction (rut) during takeoff, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 Mar 2001 Piper PA-22-108 accident near Palmer, AK?
A private pilot experienced a right main landing gear collapse while attempting takeoff from a short, snow-covered tundra site, resulting in the aircraft veering into nearby vegetation.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Mar 2001 involved a Piper PA-22-108, registration N4606Z, at Palmer, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and avoid a surface obstruction (rut) during takeoff, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…