Casualties unknown

Short Field Landing Attempt Results in Landing Gear Collapse (N9030P)

New Bedford, MA, US

On August 19, 2002, a Piper PA-24-260 (registration N9030P) was involved in an aviation accident near New Bedford, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, and the CFI's delay in remedial action. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a short field landing practice, the aircraft touched down short of the runway threshold due to slow approach speed. The subsequent landing on the runway caused the nose and main landing gear to fail.

Incident Overview

A certified flight instructor (CFI) directed a pilot to perform a short field landing. On final approach, the aircraft was slowed to a speed described as "close to stall." When it became apparent that the aircraft would not reach the runway, the CFI instructed the pilot to add power. However, the descent could not be arrested with the added power, and the aircraft touched down in a grassy area 15 feet before the runway threshold.

Sequence of Events

After the initial touchdown in the grass, the aircraft continued onto the runway. As it rolled on the pavement, the nose landing gear sheared from the fuselage, and the main landing gear collapsed. The extent of damage beyond the landing gear was not specified in the source.

Observations

The incident occurred during a training exercise focused on short field landing techniques. The approach speed was intentionally reduced to near-stall conditions. The inability to recover from the descent after adding power resulted in the off-runway touchdown. The subsequent failure of the landing gear occurred as the aircraft transitioned from the grass to the runway surface.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020823X01452. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.