Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Collapse Leads to Post-Landing Fire (N5975P)

Sterling, CO, US

On August 22, 2004, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5975P) was involved in an aviation accident near Sterling, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the landing gear extension system for undetermined reasons. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After the pilot manually extended the landing gear, it collapsed during rollout following a slow landing, leading to a fire that destroyed the airplane. Examination revealed no anomalies.

Overview

The pilot reported that after several attempts to extend the landing gear, he performed a manual extension. The subsequent landing was described as slow, and the rollout brief. During the rollout, the landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to settle onto the runway, slide approximately 200 feet, and come to a stop on the centerline. Within moments, a fire ensued, destroying the airplane.

Witness Observation

A witness stated that the airplane landed on its tires and rolled several feet before the landing gear collapsed.

Examination

An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040824X01277. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.