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NTSB Report
May 20, 1989 · Piper PA-24-250 · N6545P
San Diego, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
San Diego, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-250
Tail Number
N6545P
Operator
Michael Peterson
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89LA201
THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED DURING A LANDING AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO LOCK THE GEAR INTO THE DOWN POSITION. AFTERWARDS, WHEN THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON JACKS AND THE ROD END DISCONNECTED, THE LANDING GEAR WAS RETRACTED AND THE DRAG LINK LOCKED DOWN OVER CENTER AND MET TOLERANCE. DURING THE RETRACTION THE DOWN LOCK SWITCH COULD BE HEARD TO CLICK PRIOR TO THE DRAG LINK LOCKING OVER CENTER. DAMAGE TO THE LANDING GEAR, EXCEPT FOR THE ROD END, WAS IMPACT DAMAGE FROM THE COLLAPSING GEAR.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE COLLAPSE OF THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR DUE TO A BENT ROD END WHICH PREVENTED THE LANDING GEAR DRAG LINK TO LOCK OVER CENTER.
Full Narrative
THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED DURING A LANDING AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO LOCK THE GEAR INTO THE DOWN POSITION. AFTERWARDS, WHEN THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON JACKS AND THE ROD END DISCONNECTED, THE LANDING GEAR WAS RETRACTED AND THE DRAG LINK LOCKED DOWN OVER CENTER AND MET TOLERANCE. DURING THE RETRACTION THE DOWN LOCK SWITCH COULD BE HEARD TO CLICK PRIOR TO THE DRAG LINK LOCKING OVER CENTER. DAMAGE TO THE LANDING GEAR, EXCEPT FOR THE ROD END, WAS IMPACT DAMAGE FROM THE COLLAPSING GEAR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 PDT
Nearest AirportMontgomery (0nm N)
Runway28R
Runway Length3400 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-24-250
Tail NumberN6545P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichael Peterson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1D5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO