Runway excursion and ground fire during landing attempt

No fatalities • Block Island, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a landing gear collapse and subsequent ground fire during an approach and aborted landing attempt.

What happened

While performing an approach to land, the pilot executed S-turns to maintain appropriate separation from a previous aircraft. As the aircraft reached short final, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure because the runway remained occupied. During this maneuver, the pilot noted a lack of engine power response, which led to the decision to proceed with the original landing plan.

While attempting to realign the aircraft with the runway centerline, the right landing gear and the right wing made contact with the ground. This impact caused the right landing gear to collapse, resulting in the aircraft skidding off the right side of the runway. The force of the excursion caused the outer section of the right wing to be severed from the airframe and resulted in a ruptured fuel line. The subsequent leak triggered a ground fire that burned through the right wing and the right side of the aircraft structure.

Findings

  • There were no reports of mechanical malfunctions or component failures prior to the impact.
  • A lack of engine power response during the transition from a go-around attempt to a landing attempt was a critical factor in the sequence of events.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to land following an unresponsive engine power command during a go-around led to a landing gear collapse and subsequent excursion.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-09-05 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident near Block Island, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a landing gear collapse and subsequent ground fire during an approach and aborted landing attempt.

Were there any fatalities in the 1993-09-05 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-09-05 involved a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class), registration N46DK, operated by DEKA Research & Development Company, at Block Island, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to land following an unresponsive engine power command during a go-around led to a landing gear collapse and subsequent excursion.

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