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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 30, 2024 · Piper PA-32R-301T · N5343C

North Myrtle Beach, SC

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Aircraft
Piper PA-32R-301T (2001)
Tail Number
N5343C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA337

The pilot reported that during a cross-country flight in night, visual meteorological conditions, the airplane’s alternator failed. He described that he misinterpreted the alternator warning light illuminating, and did not realize that the alternator had failed. Some time later the battery failed, resulting in a total loss of electrical power. He recalled making the decision to continue to his originally intended destination because of his familiarity with the airport. As he entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern at the destination airport, he began his emergency checklists in preparation for landing. While performing the checklists he noticed that the airplane’s speed was too fast, so he attempted to extend the flaps to slow down. Upon activation, he realized they would not function without electrical power. Amid these efforts he continued the emergency checklist, pulling what he thought was the hydraulic system circuit breaker, but what a post-accident inspection revealed to actually be the standby vacuum pump circuit breaker. The pilot reported that he continued setting up the airplane for landing but did extend the landing gear using the emergency gear extension system. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane with the landing gear still up, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage’s external longerons. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the emergency landing gear extension handle was in the stowed position. The emergency landing gear extension system was functionally tested while the airplane was on jacks and found to function satisfactorily. Once electrical power was restored, the landing gear retraction/extension system operated normally. Additionally, the alternator belt was found broken, which likely resulted in the alternator’s failure during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to use the emergency landing gear extension system, resulting in a gear-up landing. Contributing to the accident was an alternator belt failure.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during a cross-country flight in night, visual meteorological conditions, the airplane’s alternator failed. He described that he misinterpreted the alternator warning light illuminating, and did not realize that the alternator had failed. Some time later the battery failed, resulting in a total loss of electrical power. He recalled making the decision to continue to his originally intended destination because of his familiarity with the airport. As he entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern at the destination airport, he began his emergency checklists in preparation for landing. While performing the checklists he noticed that the airplane’s speed was too fast, so he attempted to extend the flaps to slow down. Upon activation, he realized they would not function without electrical power. Amid these efforts he continued the emergency checklist, pulling what he thought was the hydraulic system circuit breaker, but what a post-accident inspection revealed to actually be the standby vacuum pump circuit breaker. The pilot reported that he continued setting up the airplane for landing but did extend the landing gear using the emergency gear extension system. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane with the landing gear still up, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage’s external longerons. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the emergency landing gear extension handle was in the stowed position. The emergency landing gear extension system was functionally tested while the airplane was on jacks and found to function satisfactorily. Once electrical power was restored, the landing gear retraction/extension system operated normally. Additionally, the alternator belt was found broken, which likely resulted in the alternator’s failure during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:30 EDT
Nearest AirportGrand Strand (0nm E)
Runway23
Runway Length5997 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32R-301T
Tail NumberN5343C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-AH1A · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 72 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind210° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data