Casualties unknown

2007-08-31: Piper PA-30 (N22HW) — Lawrence, KS

Lawrence, KS, US

On August 31, 2007, a Piper PA-30 (registration N22HW) was involved in an aviation accident near Lawrence, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Total failure of the landing gear retraction/extension assembly. Contributing factors in this accident were worn parts in the landing gear retraction/extension assembly, and mechanical binding of the extension assembly. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performed multiple touch-and-go landings before experiencing a landing gear malfunction. After manually extending the gear and receiving a GEAR SAFE indication, the right main gear collapsed during landing rollout.

Accident Overview

The pilot involved in the incident had completed approximately five touch-and-go landings at one airport before departing for home. During the approach for landing at the destination, the pilot observed via the engine nacelle mirror that the landing gear was only about one-third extended. Recognizing the malfunction, the pilot left the airport area to troubleshoot the issue.

Troubleshooting and Landing Gear Extension

While attempting to lower the landing gear manually, the pilot noticed that the main landing gear circuit breaker had tripped. After several attempts at manual extension, the gear reached approximately two-thirds of its full travel. The pilot then applied additional force to push the gear down entirely, and a "GEAR SAFE" annunciation illuminated in the cockpit. The pilot confirmed the gear was fully extended by checking the engine nacelle mirror.

Landing and Collapse

With the gear indicating safe, the pilot proceeded to land the airplane. However, during the landing rollout, the right main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft sustained damage to the right wing, which was scraped, and the aileron and flap required replacement due to damage.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident inspection revealed that the right main gear pushrod was bent. This bent pushrod had subsequently pushed against and bent the support web in the wheel well. Further examination of the landing gear system disclosed that many parts were worn and beyond their service life.

Findings

No explicit probable cause was stated in the source material. The examination identified extensive wear on landing gear components that exceeded service life limits, but no causal relationship was established between these conditions and the gear collapse.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070924X01439. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.