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Hard Landing Leads to Gear Collapse and Runway Excursion (N7532Y)

Louisville, KY, US

On December 21, 2003, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7532Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Louisville, KY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare, which resulted a hard landing. A factor was the glare from the setting sun. 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

During landing, a hard landing caused the landing gear to collapse; the airplane skidded off the runway, colliding with a taxiway sign and runway lights. The pilot reported sun glare led to loss of attitude references.

Incident Details

During landing, the airplane touched down hard, causing the landing gear to collapse. Subsequently, the airplane skidded off the runway and struck a taxiway sign and runway lights before coming to a stop.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that during the landing, approximately 10 feet above the ground, glare from the setting sun resulted in the loss of all attitude references, including the runway, horizon, and instrument panel.

Background Information

U.S. Naval Observatory data revealed that at the time of the accident, the sun was 3.2 degrees below the horizon and 2.4 degrees to the right of the runway centerline.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Dec 2003 Piper PA-30 accident near Louisville, KY?

During landing, a hard landing caused the landing gear to collapse; the airplane skidded off the runway, colliding with a taxiway sign and runway lights. The pilot reported sun glare led to loss of attitude references.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Dec 2003 Piper PA-30 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Dec 2003 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N7532Y, at Louisville, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted a hard landing. A factor was the glare from the setting sun.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040122X00089. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.