Accident Details
On August 13, 2008, at approximately 1850 central daylight time, a Piper PA-24-2560, registration N6265P, was destroyed during a landing accident at Grider Field (PBF) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The pilot, a private pilot and the sole occupant, was not injured. The personal flight, conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, had departed from PBF at approximately 1815. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed.
According to the pilot's report, the landing gear was down and locked, and the green GEAR SAFE light was illuminated. After touchdown, as the nose settled, the pilot heard the propeller strike the runway. The airplane skidded approximately 300 feet, then the main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a halt. The pilot exited the aircraft.
Post-Accident Fire
Shortly after the pilot evacuated, as he walked back toward the airplane, he heard a "pop" and observed a small fire under the firewall and in front of the wing. The fire quickly engulfed the airplane. The cockpit and cabin area were completely gutted by the flames.
Mechanical Examination
A mechanic who examined the airplane reported being unable to provide a reliable assessment of the landing gear failure due to the extensive fire damage.