No fatalities

2 Aug 2009: PIPER PA-34-200T — Lincoln Park, NJ

Lincoln Park, NJ, United States

On 2 Aug 2009, a PIPER PA-34-200T was involved in an aviation accident near Lincoln Park, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and the subsequent collapse of the landing gear. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot's determination to touch down as close as possible to the approach end on a wet runway resulted in a bounced landing, leading to collapse of the nose and main landing gear and substantial damage.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported that because the runway was wet, he was determined to touch down as close to the approach end as possible. During the landing, the airplane bounced, and subsequently the nose and main landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest on the runway approximately 1,700 feet beyond the landing threshold, sustaining substantial damage.

Video Analysis

An airport surveillance video camera captured the accident sequence. Review of the video indicated that the airplane first contacted the runway just beyond the displaced threshold in a flat attitude, with no flare or float. The airplane then bounced and re-contacted the runway on its nose landing gear, which collapsed. This was followed by a series of rapid, large-amplitude pitch oscillations, and subsequent collapse of the main landing gear.

Contributing factors

PilotIncorrect use/operation