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February 4, 1985 · Piper PA-24-250 · N5682P

Chantilly, VA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 4, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Chantilly, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-250
Tail Number
N5682P
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO85LA014

WHILE RETRACTING THE LANDING GEAR AFTER TAKEOFF, THE GEAR HESITATED BRIEFLY AT ABOUT MIDPOINT BEFORE RETRACTING FULLY. ATTEMPTS TO EXTEND THE GEAR THROUGH NORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAILED. THE ACFT LANDED AT DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH THE GEAR IN AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION. IT WAS THE PLT'S DECISION TO LAND IN THE GRASS TO THE LEFT OF RWY 30. IMMEDIATELY AFTER GROUND CONTACT, THE ACFT IMPACTED A TWO FEET HIGH EMBANKMENT. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THE LANDING GEAR MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER WAS TRIPPED. RETRACTION TEST INDICATED THAT THE MAIN GEAR FUNCTIONED PROPERLY, HOWEVER EXTENSIVE DAMAGE PRECLUDED TESTING OF THE NOSE GEAR. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, WHILE THE ACFT WAS TIED DOWN, ANOTHER TAXIING ACFT STRUCK ITS SPINNER AREA, NECESSITATING MAINT ATTENTION, WHICH IMMEDIATELY PRECEDED THE ACCIDENT FLT.

Full Narrative

WHILE RETRACTING THE LANDING GEAR AFTER TAKEOFF, THE GEAR HESITATED BRIEFLY AT ABOUT MIDPOINT BEFORE RETRACTING FULLY. ATTEMPTS TO EXTEND THE GEAR THROUGH NORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAILED. THE ACFT LANDED AT DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH THE GEAR IN AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION. IT WAS THE PLT'S DECISION TO LAND IN THE GRASS TO THE LEFT OF RWY 30. IMMEDIATELY AFTER GROUND CONTACT, THE ACFT IMPACTED A TWO FEET HIGH EMBANKMENT. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THE LANDING GEAR MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER WAS TRIPPED. RETRACTION TEST INDICATED THAT THE MAIN GEAR FUNCTIONED PROPERLY, HOWEVER EXTENSIVE DAMAGE PRECLUDED TESTING OF THE NOSE GEAR. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, WHILE THE ACFT WAS TIED DOWN, ANOTHER TAXIING ACFT STRUCK ITS SPINNER AREA, NECESSITATING MAINT ATTENTION, WHICH IMMEDIATELY PRECEDED THE ACCIDENT FLT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 EST
Nearest AirportDulles International (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-24-250
Tail NumberN5682P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1C5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 5 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 9 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:22
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data