Casualties unknown

2004-09-10: Piper PA-44-180 (N268DA) — Robert S. Morrell — Miami, FL

Miami, FL, US

On September 10, 2004, a Piper PA-44-180 (registration N268DA) operated by Robert S. Morrell was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow the after landing check list, which resulted in his inadvertent gear retraction during landing roll. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During rollout after touching down on runway 9R, a pilot applied brakes and the landing gear collapsed. The airplane slid and veered right, damaging the wing, undercarriage, and propeller. Examination found the gear handle not fully down and flaps at 10 degrees.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during approach, he lowered the landing gear and verified three green lights, the nose gear visible in a mirror, and the red gear unsafe warning light off. Upon turning onto final approach and aligning with the runway, he again confirmed three green lights and nose gear visibility. He touched down on runway 9R and began the rollout.

Gear Collapse and Aftermath

Approximately five seconds after touchdown, the pilot applied brakes to make the first turn off. Immediately after applying brakes, the landing gear collapsed. The airplane slid down the runway, veered to the right, and came to a stop just off the side of the runway. The right outboard wing, undercarriage, and propeller sustained damage.

Post-Incident Examination

Examination of the airplane revealed the flaps were extended about 10 degrees and the landing gear handle was not fully down in its detent. The airplane was subsequently moved to a maintenance facility on the airport, where the landing gear was actuated seven times. Each actuation functioned normally, and no damage was noted to the gear locks or the squat switch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041006X01578. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.