On December 16, 2007, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7252Y) operated by James Guyer was involved in an aviation accident near Bridger, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The landing gear collapsed during landing for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced landing gear collapse after landing with gusty winds. The gear had initially failed to extend but recycled successfully. Post-accident examination found no mechanical anomalies.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was approaching the destination airport and entered the downwind leg. He reduced engine power and lowered the landing gear handle, but the landing gear did not extend. The circuit breaker was found popped open and was reset. The pilot recycled the landing gear, then verified that the nose gear was down and received a green light indicating all three gear were down and locked.
While on final approach, the pilot noted gusty wind conditions and that the airplane was low. He added power to arrest the sink rate, and the airplane landed in a slightly nose-low attitude. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed. The right propeller struck the ground, followed by the left propeller.
Examination
Post-accident examination of the landing gear system revealed no evidence of a mechanical anomaly. The airplane incurred structural damage to the underside of the fuselage.