Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Collapses After Extension Following Circuit Breaker Reset (N8170P)

Eugene, OR, US

On May 11, 2007, a Piper PA-24 (registration N8170P) operated by Eric S. Hyde was involved in an aviation accident near Eugene, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collapse of the landing gear during landing for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reset a circuit breaker to extend the landing gear after initial failure, observed a green light, but the gear collapsed shortly after touchdown. Investigation could not determine why gear failed to lock.

Event

During approach to the destination airport, the pilot moved the landing gear selector to the down position. The gear did not initially extend. The pilot then reset the electric gear motor's circuit breaker, after which the gear extended. The pilot reported seeing the green landing gear position light illuminate, indicating that the gear was down and locked. The landing was normal, but seconds after touchdown, the landing gear collapsed.

Examination

An examination of the landing gear extension system revealed that the system functioned properly when manually extended. Due to impact damage sustained during the collapse, the gear system could not be electrically operated during the examination. The reason for the gear's failure to fully extend to the locked down position was not determined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070518X00594. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.