Casualties unknown

2006-02-01: Piper PA-31-350 (N3581C) — Labcorp — Burlington, NC

Burlington, NC, US

On February 1, 2006, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N3581C) operated by Labcorp was involved in an aviation accident near Burlington, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of altitude/distance which resulted in an undershoot of the runway and subsequent impact with the runway collapsing the main landing gear. 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

A pilot reported that during landing, the main landing gear struck the pavement end, shearing the left main gear. No mechanical issues were noted before the accident.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while on approach, he entered a left downwind for runway 06. He extended the downwind leg because another aircraft was on a left base for the same runway. After turning final, the pilot performed several S-turns to wait for the other aircraft to clear the runway. Once the runway was clear, the pilot aligned with runway 06 and flared for landing. During the flare, the main landing gear struck the end of the pavement, causing the left main gear to shear off.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that after the other aircraft cleared the runway, he "lined up with the runway 06 and flared to land. My main landing gear struck the end of the pavement and sheared the left main gear." The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the accident.

Investigation Notes

No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or injuries were provided in the source. The investigation focused on the pilot's account of the sequence of events.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060327X00353. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.