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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 2, 1999 · Piper PA-34-220T · N6915Z

Nantucket, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 2, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Nantucket, MA
Aircraft
Piper PA-34-220T
Tail Number
N6915Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD99LA064

The pilot flew in VFR conditions and completed a visual approach to Runway 06. The pilot stated the landing was 'a little bumpier than some, but not a hard landing' and that the airplane 'ballooned' before its final touchdown. After the final touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed and the airplane veered off the side of the runway. Examination of the landing gear revealed a fracture in the web area of the trunnion. An Airworthiness Directive and a service bulletin from the manufacturer called for inspection of the web area for cracks, 'To prevent collapse of the main landing gear caused by cracked trunnions, which could result in airplane damage.' Detailed metallurgical examination of the landing gear revealed that the fractures were due to overstress and that no pre-existing fractures were observed.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing which resulted in a hard landing and the fracture and collapse of the right main landing gear.

Full Narrative

On September 2, 1999, at 1754 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-34-220T, N6915Z, was substantially damaged during landing at the Nantucket Municipal Airport (ACK), Nantucket, Massachusetts. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Baltimore, Maryland, approximately 1539. An instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a telephone interview, the pilot reported the purpose of the flight was to visit his home in Nantucket. He said he flew IFR in visual conditions and completed the visual approach to Runway 06 at ACK. The pilot said: "I flew a normal approach by VASI at 90 knots. As we came down, the landing was a little bumpier than some, but not a hard landing. We touched down in the first 25 percent of the runway. During rollout, the right main gear wouldn't support the airplane and we veered right and stopped." In a written statement, the pilot said: "Upon landing, [the] airplane ballooned slightly and upon final contact with the runway, the airplane dipped to the right and skidded to a stop." A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety inspector examined the airplane at the scene. He said the airplane sustained damage to the right main gear and both propellers. The inspector said the nose gear collapsed and the nose gear support structure was damaged. He said: "The right main landing gear trunnion cracked in the web area as referenced in Airworthiness Directive 94-13-11 and Piper Service Bulletin 787B. However, this airplane is outside the affected serial numbers in the AD. The AD pertains to serial numbers 34-8133001 through 34-8233088. The accident airplane is serial number 34-8533003." According to the inspector, the last annual inspection of the airplane was completed June 3, 1999. The mechanic cited the AD, but noted non-compliance due to the serial number of the airplane. The pilot reported 6,500 hours of flight experience, 75 hours of which were in the 90 days prior to the accident. The pilot reported 50 hours of experience in make and model. Weather reported at ACK at the time of the accident was clear skies with winds from 090 degrees at 7 knots. A review of Airworthiness Directive 94-13-11 and Piper Service Bulletin 787B revealed that compliance was: "To prevent collapse of the main landing gear caused by cracked trunnions, which could result in airplane damage..." Both the Airworthiness Directive and the service bulletin describe the method of inspection for detection of the cracks (dye-penetrant) and the inspection intervals. The right main landing gear was removed from the airplane and examined at the NTSB Materials Laboratory, Washington, DC. According to the Materials Laboratory Factual Report, examination of the landing gear revealed that: "Significant bending deformation of the axle support arm was observed. This bending allowed contact between the tire and the top of the axle support arm. The wheel was also rotated around the trunnion axis relative to the front trunnion support. The rear trunnion support was bent 23 [degrees] relative to its original position. "An examination of the fracture surface indicated that fracture occurred by overstress of the component. No evidence of fatigue or any other preexisting cracks was observed."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:54 EDT
Nearest AirportNantucket Memorial (0nm)
Runway6
Runway Length6303 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-34-220T
Tail NumberN6915Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-360 · Reciprocating · 220
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data