Casualties unknown

Gear Collapse During Bounced Landing After Tail Wheel Conversion (N5807Z)

Valparaiso, IN, US

On July 4, 2005, a Piper PA-22-180 (registration N5807Z) operated by Russell D. Ingram was involved in an aviation accident near Valparaiso, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot improperly flared the airplane which resulted in a hard landing and the subsequent main gear collapse. 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

A pilot practicing takeoffs and landings experienced a gear collapse during a bounced landing, resulting in left wing and propeller contacting the runway. The aircraft had been converted to a tail wheel configuration 84 flight hours prior.

Summary

A pilot practicing takeoffs and landings experienced a landing gear collapse during a bounced landing, leading to the left wing and propeller contacting the runway. The aircraft had been converted to a tail wheel configuration in 1982 and had accumulated 84 flight hours since the conversion.

Narrative

The pilot reported that the first landing was executed without incident and described it as "fine." During the second landing touchdown, the pilot heard a "pop." The aircraft subsequently became airborne again, and the right wing raised slightly. The pilot corrected with aileron, and as the aircraft touched down again, the left main landing gear collapsed. The left wing and propeller then contacted the runway before the aircraft came to a stop.

Aircraft Inspection

Post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed that the landing gear strut was compressed and the gear was folded inward under the fuselage. The axle was pushed through the wheel, and the wheel bearings were broken. No other damage or conditions were reported.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft was originally manufactured as a tricycle-gear airplane but was converted to a tail wheel configuration in 1982. The conversion had been flown for 84 hours before the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050805X01175. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.