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NTSB Report
March 20, 2025 · Piper PA-28R-201T · N38871
Liberal, KS
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 20, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Liberal, KS
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-201T (1977)
Tail Number
N38871
Operator
Arrow Blue N38871
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN25LA133
According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff, he heard a slapping noise outside the right front door of the airplane. He determined that the seatbelt was outside the door, and he decided to land to fix it. While on a midfield downwind to the runway, another pilot radioed that he was entering the vicinity of the airport to land. The accident pilot stated that he attempted to gauge the other pilot’s proximity to the airport and prepare himself for a crosswind landing and forgot to complete his prelanding checklist, which included lowering the landing gear. The airplane landed gear up, which resulted in substantial damage to the longerons on the belly of the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing due to distraction and his failure to conduct the prelanding checklist.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff, he heard a slapping noise outside the right front door of the airplane. He determined that the seatbelt was outside the door, and he decided to land to fix it. While on a midfield downwind to the runway, another pilot radioed that he was entering the vicinity of the airport to land. The accident pilot stated that he attempted to gauge the other pilot’s proximity to the airport and prepare himself for a crosswind landing and forgot to complete his prelanding checklist, which included lowering the landing gear. The airplane landed gear up, which resulted in substantial damage to the longerons on the belly of the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 MDT
Nearest AirportLiberal Mid America Regional (0nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length7105 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28R-201T
Tail NumberN38871
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorArrow Blue N38871
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · T5IO-360-FB · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 75 · Basc · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind210° @ 15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 F / 19 F
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time12:56
Weather SourceWFAC