On March 4, 2003, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N4135Q) operated by Greg Oestreich was involved in an aviation accident near Rogersville, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the landing gear during touchdown while practicing a precision landing maneuver. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft suffered gear collapse while practicing a power-off precision landing for a commercial check ride, skidding off the runway into grass with no reported mechanical issues.
What happened
The flight was conducted for the purpose of practicing flight maneuvers in preparation for an upcoming commercial pilot check ride. During the training session, the crew attempted a power-off 180-degree precision landing targeting runway 25. Upon touchdown, the main landing gear collapsed unexpectedly. The aircraft skidded approximately 300 feet along the paved surface before veering off the left side of the runway and coming to rest in the adjacent grassy area. The pilot stated that no mechanical problems had been reported prior to the landing attempt.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed significant damage to the landing gear assembly. The collapse occurred during the initial contact phase of the landing maneuver. No pre-flight mechanical defects were identified by the crew before the incident.
Findings
The primary factor was the landing gear collapse during touchdown. The lack of reported mechanical issues prior to the event suggests a sudden structural failure or overload rather than a gradual degradation. The skid distance and departure from the runway indicate loss of directional control following the gear failure.
Probable cause
The collapse of the landing gear during touchdown while practicing a precision landing maneuver.