Casualties unknown

2001-10-10: Piper PA-34-200T (N91284) — Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, PA, US

On October 10, 2001, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N91284) was involved in an aviation accident near Philadelphia, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the right main landing gear for undetermined reasons. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a VFR training flight, the right main landing gear collapsed after a smooth touchdown, causing the aircraft to veer and hit a runway light.

Sequence of Events

The pilot and flight instructor were conducting a VFR training flight. The departure and en route portions were completed without incident. As the aircraft entered the terminal area, air traffic control advised the pilot to enter a right base for runway 24. The pilot lowered the landing gear and verbalized its status, stating "three in the green" and "one in the mirror." The instructor visually confirmed the landing gear indicator showed the gear was down and locked. The instructor then called for the prelanding checklist, which the pilot confirmed as complete. The aircraft was cleared to land.

On short final, the instructor called out: mixture rich, propellers full forward, and landing gear down with "three green." The aircraft touched down, and the instructor commented to the pilot, "nice landing." Immediately thereafter, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane veered to the right. The right wing struck a runway light, and subsequently the nose gear collapsed. The aircraft came to a stop upright with the left main landing gear still down and locked.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the right main landing gear revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions. Additionally, a witness observed the nose wheel, left main gear, and right main gear in the down position at the time of landing.

Occupant Actions

After the aircraft came to a stop, both the instructor and the pilot exited the airplane. No injuries were reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011105X02189. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.