On March 19, 2003, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N930DE) was involved in an aviation accident near West Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare resulting in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane sustained substantial damage during a night hard landing. The nose gear collapsed, windshield frame separated, and propeller blades were damaged.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during a hard landing at night. The pilot reported that due to windy conditions, the approach speed was maintained at 100 knots on final. Upon touchdown, the pilot felt the nose was too low and applied aft elevator input, causing the nose to rise. After lowering the nose again, the same situation occurred. The pilot then stopped the engines using the mixture control, and the airplane came to a stop with the nose down.
Damage Examination
Post-accident inspection revealed that the nose landing gear had collapsed. The nose gear support tube was pushed vertically upward through the top of the airframe by approximately 6 inches. The center windshield airframe post was pushed upward, causing the left and right windshields to separate from the cockpit's windshield frame. Additionally, all three blade tips on both propellers were bent aft and exhibited chordwise gouging and scraping.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Mar 2003 Piper PA-34-200T accident near West Chicago, IL?
An airplane sustained substantial damage during a night hard landing. The nose gear collapsed, windshield frame separated, and propeller blades were damaged.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Mar 2003 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N930DE, at West Chicago, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper flare resulting in a hard landing.
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