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Electrical Failure Results in Landing Gear Collapse and Runway Excursion (N2904C)

Grand Junction, CO, US

On November 6, 2002, a Piper PA-28RT (registration N2904C) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Junction, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the collapse of the left main landing gear during landing roll resulting in loss of control/ground loop/swerve and subsequent impact with a sign. 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

An airplane experienced a total electrical failure due to alternator malfunction. The pilot coordinated landing via cell phone, manually extended the gear, but the left main gear collapsed during rollout, causing a veer-off and collision with a taxiway sign.

Event Details

During the return flight, approximately 35 miles from the destination airport, the airplane's alternator ceased functioning, resulting in a complete loss of electrical power. The pilot made several attempts to restore power, all of which were unsuccessful.

Emergency Procedures

Using a personal cell phone, the pilot contacted the airport's control tower and received clearance to land. Following the emergency checklist, the pilot manually extended the landing gear to prepare for touchdown.

Landing and Outcome

The pilot conducted a landing on the runway. However, during the landing roll, the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane subsequently veered off the runway and struck a taxiway sign. The collision caused substantial damage to the left wing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Nov 2002 Piper PA-28RT accident near Grand Junction, CO?

An airplane experienced a total electrical failure due to alternator malfunction. The pilot coordinated landing via cell phone, manually extended the gear, but the left main gear collapsed during rollout, causing a veer-off and collision with a taxiway sign.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Nov 2002 Piper PA-28RT accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Nov 2002 involved a Piper PA-28RT, registration N2904C, at Grand Junction, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the collapse of the left main landing gear during landing roll resulting in loss of control/ground loop/swerve and subsequent impact with a sign. Contributing factors include, the airplane's total loss of electrical power due to an alternator failure and the inoperative landing gear indicating system.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021120X05490. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.