2 Aug 2009: PIPER PA-34-200T

2 Aug 2009: PIPER PA-34-200T — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Lincoln Park, NJ, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and the subsequent collapse of the landing gear.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot stated that because the runway was wet, he was "determined to touch down as close to the approach end as possible." On landing, the airplane bounced, and the nose and main landing gear subsequently collapsed. The airplane came to rest on the runway, approximately 1,700 feet beyond the landing threshold, and sustained substantial damage. 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 bounced and re-contacted the runway on its nose landing gear, which then collapsed. This was followed by a series of rapid, large-amplitude pitch oscillations, and collapse of the main gear.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Incorrect use/operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 8sm

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