On October 9, 2007, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N313RA) operated by Key Lime Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Trinidad, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear, which resulted in substantial damage to the bottom of the fuselage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot admitted to forgetting to extend the landing gear before landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the bottom of the fuselage and exposed compromised bulkheads.
What happened
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the bottom of the fuselage during a landing operation. The primary cause was the failure to lower the landing gear prior to touchdown.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the airframe revealed significant structural compromise. Photographs documented that the fuselage skin had been completely removed in the affected area, exposing several compromised bulkheads underneath.
Findings
The operator confirmed that the pilot freely admitted to forgetting to extend the landing gear. This oversight directly led to the substantial damage observed on the aircraft's lower fuselage structure.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear, which resulted in substantial damage to the bottom of the fuselage.
What happened in the 9 Oct 2007 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Trinidad, CO?
A pilot admitted to forgetting to extend the landing gear before landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the bottom of the fuselage and exposed compromised bulkheads.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Oct 2007 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N313RA, operated by Key Lime Air, Inc., at Trinidad, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear, which resulted in substantial damage to the bottom of the fuselage.
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