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August 19, 2003 · Piper PA-28R-180 · N3817T

Prescott, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Prescott, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-180
Tail Number
N3817T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03LA304

The airplane experienced a right main landing gear collapse during the landing roll. The flight instructor (CFI) reported that the purpose of the flight was to perform a biennial flight review. After completing two uneventful touch-and-go takeoffs and landings, the pilot attempted a third. He configured the airplane for a power-off landing and all three landing gear lights in the cockpit were illuminated in indication that the landing gear was in a down and locked position. Upon touching down on the runway, the airplane veered to the right and the CFI felt as though it was sinking on the right side. The right main gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest on its left main landing gear with the right gear in retracted position. The airplane was examined immediately after the accident by an A & P mechanic. The airplane was placed on jacks and the gear was cycled several times using the airplane's hydraulic system and electrically driven hydraulic pump. No defects or faults were found that could have resulted in a failure of the right gear to extend and lock. Later, a detailed landing gear extension/retraction functional test was conducted with no discrepancies noted.

NTSB Probable Cause

The collapse of the right main gear during the landing roll for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On August 19, 2003, at 0716 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28R-180, N3817T, experienced a right main landing gear collapse during the landing roll at Ernest A. Love Field, Prescott, Arizona. North-Aire, Inc., was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and the private pilot were not injured. The flight originated from Prescott at 0630 for the local instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. In a telephone interview, the CFI reported that the purpose of the flight was to perform a biennial flight review. After completing two uneventful touch-and-go takeoffs and landings, the private pilot attempted a third. He configured the airplane for a power-off landing and all three landing gear lights in the cockpit were illuminated in indication that the landing gear was in a down and locked position. Upon touching down on the runway, the airplane veered to the right and the CFI felt as though it was sinking on the right side. He immediately seized the flight controls and applied full power in efforts to make the airplane airborne. The right main gear collapsed and he aborted all takeoff efforts. The airplane came to rest on its left main landing gear with the right gear in retracted position. In a written statement, an airplane mechanic reported that he conducted an on scene inspection of the airplane immediately after the accident. The airplane was placed on jacks and the main landing gear was lowered into the full extended position and then cycled into both the full up and down position using the aircraft hydraulic system and electicaly driven pump. At that time, no defects or faults were found that could have resulted in a partial gear failure. Later, a detailed landing gear extension/retraction functional test was conducted with no discrepancies noted. This accident was upgraded from an incident on December 11, 2003, based on a damage assessment by the Federal Aviation Administration. There was damage to the airplane's right wing tip, right outboard wing skin, outboard wing spar, and propeller.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:16 MST
Nearest AirportErnest A. Love Field Airport (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length4846 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28R-180
Tail NumberN3817T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 82 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 59
Altimeter30.25 inHg
Observation Time14:23
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data