Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

May 14, 2005 · Piper PA-28-140 · N7263J

Puyallup, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 14, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Puyallup, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N7263J
Operator
Christopher C Anable
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA05LA106

According to the pilot, the landing approach "looked good." During the flare, the airplane "hit wind shear" and landed "a little hard." The pilot added power and executed a go around. He heard a banging noise coming from beneath the airplane and declared an emergency. He elected to return to the airport and landed off the runway in a grassy area. During the emergency landing, the airplane settled onto the right wing. The pilot reported that he determined the right main landing gear had separated during the hard landing and remained attached to the airplane only by the brake line. Closer inspection revealed that the two upper torque link attach lugs on the right main landing gear strut cylinder (P/N 65319-04) had separated. Both separation surfaces displayed beach marks, ratchet marks, and areas of discoloration indicative of preexisting cracks. Research revealed that on August 18, 2003, the airplane manufacturer (Piper) had issued Service Bulletin 1131, which called for an inspection of the main landing gear cylinder upper torque link attach lugs for cracks in the area where the subject cylinder failed. This Service Bulletin had not been performed on the accident airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The fatigue cracking of the upper torque link attach lugs on the right main landing gear strut, which resulted in separation of the right main landing gear.

Full Narrative

On May 14, 2005, about 1200 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, N7263J, sustained substantial damage when the right main landing gear separated during landing at Pierce County Airport, Puyallup, Washington. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The airplane was being operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed from Auburn Municipal Airport, Auburn, Washington, and the intended destination was Pierce County Airport. According to the pilot, the landing approach "looked good." During the flare, the airplane "hit wind shear" and landed "a little hard." The pilot added power and executed a go around. He heard a banging noise coming from beneath the airplane and declared an emergency. He elected to return to the airport and landed off the runway in a grassy area. During the emergency landing, the airplane settled onto the right wing. The pilot reported that he determined the right main landing gear had separated during the hard landing and remained attached to the airplane only by the brake line. Closer inspection revealed that the two upper torque link attach lugs on the right main landing gear strut cylinder (P/N 65319-04) had separated. Both separation surfaces displayed beach marks, ratchet marks, and areas of discoloration indicative of preexisting cracks. Research revealed that on August 18, 2003, the airplane manufacturer (Piper) had issued Service Bulletin 1131, which called for an inspection of the main landing gear cylinder upper torque link attach lugs for cracks in the area where the subject cylinder failed. This Service Bulletin had not been performed on the accident airplane. An FAA inspector examined the airplane and reported that the damage included 5 puncture holes in the lower right wing skin, a collapsed wing rib, and a damaged area of rear spar cap. Additionally, there were dents in the leading edge of the right stabilator and the trailing edge of the right flap was bent.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 PDT
Nearest AirportPierce County (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length3650 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN7263J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChristopher C Anable
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-O2A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data