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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 30, 2017 · Piper PA 31 350 · N4078J

Saipan

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (7 uninjured)
Location
Saipan
Aircraft
Piper PA 31 350 (1980)
Tail Number
N4078J
Operator
Star Marianas Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA570

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, about 150 ft above the ground, while the landing gear were being retracted, the airplane impacted a flock of medium-sized birds. He noted that the landing gear unlock indicator remained illuminated and that the landing gear handle would not return to the up neutral position. No degradation of performance was noted, so the pilot chose to continue to his destination. About 20 miles from the airport, the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear but was unsuccessful. He contacted maintenance personnel on the ground and advised them of the landing gear issue. The ground maintenance personnel visually verified that the nose and right main landing gear (MLG) were down. The pilot performed the emergency gear extension checklist and noted little to no resistance on the hand pump. The pilot made multiple attempts to lower the landing gear without success. During the landing, the right MLG collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination revealed snarge on both horizonal stabilizers, the left wing, and the fuselage and that the right inboard MLG door actuator hose had failed.

NTSB Probable Cause

Impact with multiple birds while retracting the landing gear, which resulted in the subsequent failure of the right inboard main landing gear door actuator hose and prevented the pilot from being able to extend the landing gear.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during the initial climb, about 150 feet above the ground, while the landing gear was being retracted, the airplane impacted a flock of medium sized birds. He noted that the landing gear unlock indicator remained illuminated and the landing gear handle would not return to the up neutral position. No degradation of performance was noted, so the pilot choose to continue to his destination. About 20 miles from the airport, the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear, but was unsuccessful. He contacted maintenance personnel on the ground and advised them of the landing gear issue. The ground maintenance personnel visually verified that the nose and right main landing gear were down. The pilot performed the emergency gear extension checklist and noted little to no resistance on the hand pump. After multiple attempts to lower the landing gear, Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Support was requested. Soon after, the pilot received clearance to land. During the landing the right main landing gear collapsed and the left wing impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. A postaccident examination revealed snarge on both horizonal stabilizers, left wing, and fuselage. It was noted that the right inboard main landing gear door actuator hose had failed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:08
Nearest AirportFrancisco C Ada/Saipan Intl (3960nm W)
Runway24
Runway Length7001 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 31 350
Tail NumberN4078J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorStar Marianas Air
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-J2BD · Reciprocating · 350 | Lycoming · TIO-540-J2BD · Reciprocating · 350
Seats10

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (7 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured7
Total7
Crew 1Age 43 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 11000 ft
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time07:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data