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July 4, 2015 · Piper PA 24-250 250 · N7985P

Newton, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Newton, KS
Aircraft
Piper PA 24-250 250 (1962)
Tail Number
N7985P
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA178

During a local instructional flight, the flight instructor reported that while on final approach at their destination airport, the landing gear did not illuminate down and locked. He reported that he tried to cycle the gear with the electric landing gear handle, but the down and locked green light would not illuminate. When the power was reduced to idle, the flight instructor reported that the audible gear unsafe horn sounded as well. The flight instructor performed a go-around, and the pilot receiving instruction reported that he began the manual gear extension checklist according to the "SureCheck" checklist. During the manual gear extension procedure, both pilots reported that a "spring tension" prevented the emergency gear handle from extending to the full forward position. Subsequently, the flight instructor reported that he reset the motor release arm and attempted to extend the landing gear again with the electric gear handle, but the landing gear electric motor circuit breaker popped and the motor release arm jammed. After receiving confirmation from ground personnel that the landing gear was only partially extended, the flight instructor performed an emergency landing. During touchdown, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. The fuselage was substantially damaged in the accident. During a postaccident examination, a Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector found that the right main landing gear down-lock micro switch was operating intermittently within the electrical actuating system. According to the inspector, an intermittent micro switch on this landing gear can result in gear unsafe warnings and continuous electrical motor operation. Additionally, the SureCheck checklist used did not include instructions provided in the Pilot's Operating Handbook stating, "Do not re-engage landing gear operating motor in flight." The SureCheck checklist does contain a warning stating "this product is not a substitute for any operation manual which coincides with each specific aircraft." The flight instructor reported that he had two hours of flight time in this make and model airplane, and the pilot receiving instruction reported that he had no previous experience in this make and model airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the right main landing gear down-lock micro switch, which resulted in a landing gear collapse during landing, and the pilot/owner's unfamiliarity with the emergency landing gear extension procedure. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's lack of experience in this make and model airplane and unfamiliarity with the emergency landing gear extension procedure.

Full Narrative

During a local instructional flight, the flight instructor reported that while on final approach at their destination airport, the landing gear did not illuminate down and locked. He reported that he tried to cycle the gear with the electric landing gear handle, but the down and locked green light would not illuminate. When the power was reduced to idle, the flight instructor reported that the audible gear unsafe horn sounded as well. The flight instructor performed a go-around, and the pilot receiving instruction reported that he began the manual gear extension checklist according to the "SureCheck" checklist. During the manual gear extension procedure, both pilots reported that a "spring tension" prevented the emergency gear handle from extending to the full forward position. Subsequently, the flight instructor reported that he reset the motor release arm and attempted to extend the landing gear again with the electric gear handle, but the landing gear electric motor circuit breaker popped and the motor release arm jammed. After receiving confirmation from ground personnel that the landing gear was only partially extended, the flight instructor performed an emergency landing. During touchdown, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. The fuselage was substantially damaged in the accident. During a postaccident examination, a Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector found that the right main landing gear down-lock micro switch was operating intermittently within the electrical actuating system. According to the inspector, an intermittent micro switch on this landing gear can result in gear unsafe warnings and continuous electrical motor operation. Additionally, the SureCheck checklist used did not include instructions provided in the Pilot's Operating Handbook stating, "Do not re-engage landing gear operating motor in flight." The SureCheck checklist does contain a warning stating "this product is not a substitute for any operation manual which coincides with each specific aircraft." The flight instructor reported that he had two hours of flight time in this make and model airplane, and the pilot receiving instruction reported that he had no previous experience in this make and model airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 CDT
Nearest AirportNewton-City-County (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length7003 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 24-250 250
Tail NumberN7985P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 SERIES · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 57 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data