No fatalities

Landing Gear Collapse and Runway Excursion After Electrical Malfunction (N5167R)

San Diego, CA, US

On July 24, 2004, a Cessna 172RG (registration N5167R) was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was fully extended, by use of the emergency gear extension system, which resulted in its partial collapse during landing rollout. 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

The right main landing gear collapsed during rollout after a normal touchdown. The pilot had experienced a low voltage condition and reduced electrical load. Examination revealed a tripped alternator circuit breaker.

Accident Narrative

During the landing rollout following a normal touchdown on the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, directional control was lost, and the right wing struck the runway surface. The airplane veered off the runway and came to rest in an adjacent open dirt field.

Electrical System Events

During flight, the pilot experienced a low voltage condition, and radio communications became problematic as the battery gradually discharged. In accordance with instructions in the Cessna Pilot's Operator's Handbook, the pilot cycled the airplane's master electric system switch. As this did not restore electric power, the pilot reduced the electrical load to conserve energy.

Post-Impact Examination

No evidence of any mechanical malfunction was found during the post-impact examination of the landing gear and alternator/battery electric system. The alternator field circuit breaker was found in the tripped position. When the alternator circuit breaker was reset, electric current was restored to the bus and the battery was charging.

Pilot Actions

Prior to landing, the pilot failed to properly perform procedures relating to ensuring that the alternator circuit breaker was engaged. Additionally, the pilot failed to ensure that the landing gear was fully extended by using the emergency gear extension system.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 2004 Cessna 172RG accident near San Diego, CA?

The right main landing gear collapsed during rollout after a normal touchdown. The pilot had experienced a low voltage condition and reduced electrical load. Examination revealed a tripped alternator circuit breaker.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jul 2004 Cessna 172RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 2004 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N5167R, at San Diego, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was fully extended, by use of the emergency gear extension system, which resulted in its partial collapse during landing rollout. Also causal was the pilot's failure to follow POH procedures relating to troubleshooting and restoring electric power to the airplane…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040729X01108. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.