Casualties unknown

2002-12-15: Piper PA-30 (N948SB) — Jackson, MI

Jackson, MI, US

On December 15, 2002, a Piper PA-30 (registration N948SB) was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow the checklist and extend the landing gear resulting in a gear up landing. 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

A pilot performed a gear-up landing on grass after electrical power was lost shortly after takeoff. Manual gear extension resulted in partial extension. Generator switches were found off, contrary to the pretakeoff checklist.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducted a gear-up landing on a grass area adjacent to a runway following a loss of electrical power that occurred immediately after takeoff. The pilot reported that after the electrical power was lost, he was unable to extend the landing gear normally. He then attempted a manual gear extension, which resulted in only a partial extension.

Manual Gear Extension Procedure

The pilot stated that he performed what he believed was the prescribed crank-down procedure by pumping the landing gear handle approximately 50 times. However, the airplane's manual gear extension procedure requires rotating a gear extension handle; pumping is not part of the correct method.

Post-Accident Inspection

Inspection of the wreckage revealed that both generator switches were in the "off" position. According to the pretakeoff checklist, these switches are to be in the "on" position. No anomalies were noted with the airplane's electrical system. Additionally, inspection found that there was no written checklist and no emergency landing gear extension handle aboard the airplane. The pilot stated that he used the handle that he had to prop the door open for the gear-up landing.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, damage items, time of day, weather, or ATC involvement. The pilot's identity and experience are not stated.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021220X05620. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.