On August 19, 2006, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6249P) was involved in an aviation accident near Auburn, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the landing gear's normal retraction/extension assembly due to an overload condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, the pilot noted landing gear would not retract and believed it was down and locked. Upon landing, all three gear retracted. Examination revealed the retraction motor had separated with overstress fractures.
Incident Overview
After takeoff, the pilot determined that the landing gear would not retract properly. Believing the gear was in the down and locked position, the pilot elected to continue to the destination airport. Upon arrival, the aircraft touched down on the main landing gear wheels and rolled out. The nose landing gear was then lowered onto the runway surface. After the nose gear contacted the runway, all three landing gear retracted.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the landing gear retraction motor had separated from its rear bulkhead attachment. The component's rivets were found fractured in the contact surface plane. Deformation and smeared features were observed, consistent with overstress. It could not be determined when the overstress event occurred.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Aug 2006 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Auburn, WA?
After takeoff, the pilot noted landing gear would not retract and believed it was down and locked. Upon landing, all three gear retracted. Examination revealed the retraction motor had separated with overstress fractures.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Aug 2006 Piper PA-24-250 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Aug 2006 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N6249P, at Auburn, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the landing gear's normal retraction/extension assembly due to an overload condition.
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