Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Collapse Due to Fatigue Fracture of Retraction Arm (N209TA)

North Las Vegas, NV, US

On June 5, 2001, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N209TA) was involved in an aviation accident near North Las Vegas, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue cracking of the landing gear retraction arm, initiated for an unknown reason. 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
Aircraft registered N209TA
Aircraft registered N209TA. Photo: FlugKerl2 / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During landing, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. Investigation revealed a fractured retraction arm from fatigue cracking. The pilot had previously observed gear problems.

Incident

After takeoff, the pilot experienced landing gear problems. Despite troubleshooting attempts, the issue remained unresolved. The pilot proceeded to the destination airport with the landing gear extended. The pilot reported that the three green indicator lights, signifying the landing gear was extended and locked, were illuminated.

Landing and Collapse

Upon touchdown at the destination airport, the pilot applied the brakes. The right main landing gear then collapsed, and the airplane veered off the runway to the right.

Examination

Post-accident examination of the airplane disclosed a fractured landing gear retraction arm. The arm had failed due to fatigue cracking. The reason for the initiation of the fatigue crack could not be determined. The retraction arm had accumulated approximately 13,231 hours of service. The airplane had accrued 47.9 hours of flight time since its last inspection.

Probable cause

Fatigue cracking of the landing gear retraction arm, initiated for an unknown reason.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 2001 Piper PA-31-350 accident near North Las Vegas, NV?

During landing, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. Investigation revealed a fractured retraction arm from fatigue cracking. The pilot had previously observed gear problems.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 2001 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N209TA, at North Las Vegas, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fatigue cracking of the landing gear retraction arm, initiated for an unknown reason.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010607X01089. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.