Landing gear collapse during arrival at destination airport

Casualties unknown • Eugene, OR, US

A pilot experienced a landing gear collapse seconds after touchdown following an initial failure of the gear to extend.

What happened

As the pilot approached the destination airport, the landing gear selector was placed in the down position. Initially, the landing gear failed to extend. The pilot then reset the circuit breaker for the electric gear motor, after which the gear did extend. The pilot reported observing the green position light illuminate and believed the gear was locked in the down position.

The aircraft made a normal touchdown; however, seconds after contact with the runway, the landing gear collapsed. There were no injuries reported in this incident.

The investigation

An examination of the landing gear extension system was conducted. Investigators found that the system functioned properly when manually extended. Due to damage sustained during the impact, the gear system could not be electrically operated during the post-accident examination.

Probable cause

The reason for the failure of the landing gear to fully extend into the locked down position was not determined.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-05-11 Piper PA-24 accident near Eugene, OR?

A pilot experienced a landing gear collapse seconds after touchdown following an initial failure of the gear to extend.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-05-11 involved a Piper PA-24, registration N8170P, operated by Eric S. Hyde, at Eugene, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The reason for the failure of the landing gear to fully extend into 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.

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