Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Indication Issue Leads to Engine Shutdown and Runway Short Accident (N13878)

Morristown, NJ, US

On March 20, 2006, a Piper PA23-250 (registration N13878) was involved in an aviation accident near Morristown, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's premature shutdown of both engines, which resulted in a forced landing short of the runway. A factor was a landing gear malfunction indication 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

A pilot experienced a right main landing gear down indication failure. After tower confirmation that gear appeared down, and bulb check, the pilot shut down both engines due to fuel and struck a berm short of the runway.

Incident Details

During the preflight inspection and after takeoff, the landing gear indications were normal. However, at the destination airport, when the pilot lowered the landing gear, the right main landing gear down indication did not illuminate.

Sequence of Events

The pilot flew by the control tower and was advised that the landing gear "appeared to be down." Subsequently, the pilot switched indicator bulbs and determined that the bulb was not the problem. The pilot did not report attempting to pump the landing gear down.

Due to the amount of fuel onboard, the pilot decided to feather and shut down both engines during the final approach. After doing so, the airplane struck a berm short of the runway.

Investigation

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that damage to the airplane precluded further investigation of the landing gear system.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060404X00387. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.