Casualties unknown

2005-10-27: Piper PA-44-180 (N8154H) — North Aire, Inc. — Prescott, AZ

Prescott, AZ, US

On October 27, 2005, a Piper PA-44-180 (registration N8154H) operated by North Aire, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The nose landing gear collapsing during the landing roll 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing roll, the nose landing gear of a multiengine airplane collapsed after the student pilot mistakenly reached for the landing gear handle. The instructor intervened, but the gear failed. Post-accident inspection found no anomalies in the landing gear linkages.

Incident Overview

A multiengine airplane experienced a nose landing gear collapse while completing the landing roll. The certified flight instructor (CFI) was performing the landing, while the student pilot kept his hands on the control yoke to follow the instructor's inputs. As the airplane approached the runway, the CFI configured it for a power-off landing by retarding the throttles. She noted that all three landing gear indicator lights in the cockpit were illuminated green, indicating the gear was down and locked. She also visually confirmed the gear extension through a small mirror on the wing.

Sequence of Events

Upon touchdown, the main landing gear made contact with the runway. At that moment, the student pilot reached for the landing gear handle, mistaking it for the flap handle. The CFI waved her hand to block his movement and told him "no." Shortly after, the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to slide on its nose. After the airplane came to a stop, the CFI observed that the landing gear handle was still in the "down" position. The student pilot stated that he had not touched the landing gear handle.

Post-Accident Inspection

A mechanic who repaired the airplane reported that the landing gear and its linkages were intact, with no anomalies noted. The actuator could not be tested due to the extent of the damage sustained during the collapse.

Conclusion

The source does not provide a probable cause for the collapse.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051207X01947. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.