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NTSB Report
August 27, 1990 · Piper PA-28 · N3255R
Indian Trail, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 27, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Indian Trail, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-28
Tail Number
N3255R
Operator
Hawkins Perry
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL90LA166
DURING SEVERAL FLIGHTS THE PILOT HAD EXPERIENCED LANDING GEAR INDICATOR PROBLEMS; HOWEVER, THERE HAD NOT BEEN A GEAR FAILURE. ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT THE PILOT AGAIN EXPERIENCED AN UNSAFE CONDITION AND AS THE AIRPLANE ROLLED OUT, THE LEFT GEAR RETRACTED AND THE AIRPLANE VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THE OVER-CENTER LOCK WAS UNLOCKED. THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL REASON FOR THIS FAILURE. HOWEVER, THE RUNWAY CONDITION WAS DESCRIBED AS ROUGH WITH SEVERAL POTHOLES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE LANDING GEAR MAY INADVERTENTLY RETRACT DURING OPERATION ON ROUGH TERRAIN.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO HAVE THE LANDING GEAR INSPECTED AFTER EXPERIENCING UNSAFE GEAR INDICATIONS.
Full Narrative
DURING SEVERAL FLIGHTS THE PILOT HAD EXPERIENCED LANDING GEAR INDICATOR PROBLEMS; HOWEVER, THERE HAD NOT BEEN A GEAR FAILURE. ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT THE PILOT AGAIN EXPERIENCED AN UNSAFE CONDITION AND AS THE AIRPLANE ROLLED OUT, THE LEFT GEAR RETRACTED AND THE AIRPLANE VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THE OVER-CENTER LOCK WAS UNLOCKED. THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL REASON FOR THIS FAILURE. HOWEVER, THE RUNWAY CONDITION WAS DESCRIBED AS ROUGH WITH SEVERAL POTHOLES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE LANDING GEAR MAY INADVERTENTLY RETRACT DURING OPERATION ON ROUGH TERRAIN.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:12 EDT
Nearest AirportGoose Creek (0nm N)
Runway22
Runway Length2350 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28
Tail NumberN3255R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHawkins Perry
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 B1E · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:51
Weather SourceWFAC