Casualties unknown

Left Main Landing Gear Collapses on Landing After Electrical Failure (N5M)

San Diego, CA, US

On May 8, 2006, a Mckenzie LANCAIR IV-P TURBINE (registration N5M) operated by William A. Stern was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the left main gear for undetermined reasons. A factor was the pilot's inadequate remedial action in response to the left main gear not locked warning light by not attempting to manually extend the gear to ensure it was fully down and locked. 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

An airplane veered off the runway after the left main landing gear collapsed during landing, following an electrical failure and go-around.

Incident Overview

The airplane experienced a left main landing gear collapse upon touchdown, causing it to veer off the runway. The pilot had initially been cleared to land on runway 28L. He lowered the landing gear in preparation for landing and received an indication of three green lights, confirming that the gear was down and locked.

Electrical Failure and Go-Around

Shortly after the gear indication, an electrical power failure occurred. The pilot initiated a go-around and turned on the emergency battery, which restored power to the radio and several critical systems. However, the gear lights then indicated that only the nose and right main landing gear were down and locked.

Communication with Tower

The pilot asked the tower controller to confirm the gear position. The tower reported that the gear appeared to be down and cleared the pilot to land on runway 28R.

Landing and Gear Collapse

Upon touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed, leading the airplane to veer off the runway. The pilot later stated that he should have tried to pump the gear in an attempt to get it into the locked position.

Investigation Findings

No determination was made regarding the reason for the collapse of the left main landing gear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060620X00774. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.