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NTSB Report
September 4, 1985 · Piper PA-31-350 · N27902
Norfolk, VA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 4, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (7 uninjured)
Location
Norfolk, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-31-350
Tail Number
N27902
Operator
Michael J Russo
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO85FA073
THE ACFT EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE GEAR COLLAPSE AFTER CONTACTING A RWY LIGHT AND A TAXIWAY SIGN DURING A LANDING ROLL. THEFLT DEPARTED LA GUARDIA ARPT 230 LBS OVER THE 7000 PLD MAX GROSS WEIGHT OF THE ACFT AND AT LEAST 1 INCH AFT OF THE CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMIT. DURING THE ONE HOUR AND THIRTY FIVE MINUTE FLT TO NORFOLK, VA, THE 60 GALLON OF FUEL USED DECREASED THE WEIGHT OF THE ACFT TO 6870 BLS, HOWEVER, THE COMPUTED CG WAS STILL 1/2 INCH AFT OF THE LIMIT. THIS WAS RECONFIRMED BY THE PLT'S STATEMENT THAT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND TO THE ACFT VEERING TO THE RIGHT IN A QUICKER MANNER IF THE NOSE WHEEL HAD BEEN ABLE TO BE LOWERED TO THE PAVEMENT SOONER TO AID WITH NOSE WHEEL STEERING.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE GEAR COLLAPSE AFTER CONTACTING A RWY LIGHT AND A TAXIWAY SIGN DURING A LANDING ROLL. THEFLT DEPARTED LA GUARDIA ARPT 230 LBS OVER THE 7000 PLD MAX GROSS WEIGHT OF THE ACFT AND AT LEAST 1 INCH AFT OF THE CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMIT. DURING THE ONE HOUR AND THIRTY FIVE MINUTE FLT TO NORFOLK, VA, THE 60 GALLON OF FUEL USED DECREASED THE WEIGHT OF THE ACFT TO 6870 BLS, HOWEVER, THE COMPUTED CG WAS STILL 1/2 INCH AFT OF THE LIMIT. THIS WAS RECONFIRMED BY THE PLT'S STATEMENT THAT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND TO THE ACFT VEERING TO THE RIGHT IN A QUICKER MANNER IF THE NOSE WHEEL HAD BEEN ABLE TO BE LOWERED TO THE PAVEMENT SOONER TO AID WITH NOSE WHEEL STEERING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time02:25 EDT
Nearest AirportNorfolk International (0nm N)
Runway23
Runway Length9000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-31-350
Tail NumberN27902
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichael J Russo
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-J2BD · Reciprocating · 350
Seats10
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (7 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured7
Total7
Crew 1Age 51 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind190° @ 4 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time05:50
Weather SourceWFAC