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NTSB Report

January 10, 2025 · Piper PA-44-180 NO Series · N555HF

Pompano Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 10, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Pompano Beach, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-44-180 NO Series (2003)
Tail Number
N555HF
Operator
American Flyers
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA25LA096

Both pilots reported that after performing airwork they returned to the departure airport where multiple uneventful full stop landings were performed. They then departed and while on the base leg of the airport traffic pattern the right main landing gear did not fully extend. At that point the designated pilot examiner (DPE) took the controls from the pilot applicant, and during the course of 90 minutes, made multiple attempts to fully lower the right main landing gear that were ultimately unsuccessful. The DPE then elected to land with the landing gear retracted rather than with two landing gear down and one retracted. After touchdown the airplane came to rest near the runway centerline. The underside of the fuselage was substantially damaged during the landing. After raising the airplane from the runway, the right main landing gear was manually pulled out of the wheel well and during that process it was discovered that the hardware that secured the upper and lower torque links were not in position and could not be located. Since the hardware could not be found, no determination could be made as to the reason for the separation of the hardware. A review of the airplane’s maintenance records revealed that the hardware securing the right main landing gear torque links was replaced last on about 11 months before the accident. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accrued about 324 flight hours since the hardware replacement. The mechanic who performed the last 100-Hour inspection, about 6 months and 46 hours before the accident, reported that he did not notice any abnormality or defects with the torque link bolts at that time.

NTSB Probable Cause

The separation of the securing hardware for the right main landing gear upper and lower torque links for undetermined reasons, which prevented extension of the right main landing gear.

Full Narrative

Both pilots reported that after performing airwork they returned to the departure airport where multiple uneventful full stop landings were performed. They then departed and while on the base leg of the airport traffic pattern the right main landing gear did not fully extend. At that point the designated pilot examiner (DPE) took the controls from the pilot applicant, and during the course of 90 minutes, made multiple attempts to fully lower the right main landing gear that were ultimately unsuccessful. The DPE then elected to land with the landing gear retracted rather than with two landing gear down and one retracted. After touchdown the airplane came to rest near the runway centerline. The underside of the fuselage was substantially damaged during the landing. After raising the airplane from the runway, the right main landing gear was manually pulled out of the wheel well and during that process it was discovered that the hardware that secured the upper and lower torque links were not in position and could not be located. Since the hardware could not be found, no determination could be made as to the reason for the separation of the hardware. A review of the airplane’s maintenance records revealed that the hardware securing the right main landing gear torque links was replaced last on about 11 months before the accident. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accrued about 324 flight hours since the hardware replacement. The mechanic who performed the last 100-Hour inspection, about 6 months and 46 hours before the accident, reported that he did not notice any abnormality or defects with the torque link bolts at that time.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 EST
Nearest AirportPompano Beach Airpark (0.2nm N)
Runway15
Runway Length4918 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-44-180 NO Series
Tail NumberN555HF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAmerican Flyers
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · LO-360-A1H6 · Reciprocating · 180 | Lycoming · O-360-A1H6 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 27 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 54 F
Altimeter30.08 inHg
Observation Time11:12
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data