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NTSB Report
September 20, 2012 · Piper PA24 260 · N8648P
Madera, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Madera, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA24 260
Tail Number
N8648P
Operator
Chester Dee Mccarter
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA435
The accident occurred during an instructional flight while practicing landings. The flight instructor reported that he became distracted while teaching his student and forgot to ensure that the landing gear was extended before landing. He stated that the landing gear warning horn came on just before the airplane landed gear up, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage structure. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The student's and flight instructor’s failure to ensure that the landing gear was extended prior to landing.
Full Narrative
The accident occurred during an instructional flight while practicing landings. The flight instructor reported that he became distracted while teaching his student and forgot to ensure that the landing gear was extended before landing. He stated that the landing gear warning horn came on just before the airplane landed gear up, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage structure. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 PDT
Nearest AirportMadera Municipal (0nm)
Runway30
Runway Length5545 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA24 260
Tail NumberN8648P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChester Dee Mccarter
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO540 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 75 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 66 · None · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC