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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.

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NTSB Report

May 30, 2007 · Piper PA-32-300 · N87619

Columbia, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 30, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Columbia, SC
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-300
Tail Number
N87619
Operator
Ram Air Freight
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL07LA086

The pilot stated that on the landing flare, he heard a "loud bang" when the nose wheel touched down. The nose of the airplane "bounced" back into the air and the tail of the airplane struck the runway. The nose then settled back to the ground and the airplane came to a stop. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the nose wheel fork was broken in two parts, and the empennage was buckled. The nose landing gear wheel fork was sent to the National Transportation Safety Board's Materials Laboratory for examination. The fracture features were on slant planes with a matte gray appearance consistent with an overstress fracture. No evidence of a preexisting damage was observed. The overall deformation of both legs of the fork was consistent with side loading.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper landing flare, resulting in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

On May 30, 2007 at 1710 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, N87619, registered to and operated by Ram Air Freight LLC as a 14 Code of Federal Regulation Part 135 cargo flight, had a nose gear collapse on landing roll at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Columbia, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial rated pilot was not injured. The flight departed Myrtle Beach International Airport, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on May 30, 2007, at 1655. The pilot stated that on landing flare, he heard a "loud bang" when the nose wheel touched down. The nose of the airplane "bounced" back into the air and the tail of the airplane struck the runway. The nose then settled back to the ground and the airplane came to a stop. The pilot exited the airplane and noticed that the nose wheel assembly was broken off the strut. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the nose wheel fork was broken off the strut, and was in two parts. Further examination of the airplane revealed that the empennage was buckled. The nose landing gear wheel fork was sent to the National Transportation Safety Board's Materials Laboratory for examination. The fracture features were on slant planes with a matte gray appearance, consistent with an overstress fracture. No evidence of a preexisting damage was observed. The overall deformation of both legs of the fork was consistent with side loading.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:10 EDT
Nearest AirportColumbia Metropolitan (0nm)
Runway5
Runway Length8001 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-300
Tail NumberN87619
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRam Air Freight
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540 · Reciprocating · 310
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time20:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data