N770C

Substantial
None

Piper PA-31-350S/N: 31-755-2016

Accident Details

Date
Friday, April 13, 2007
NTSB Number
CHI07CA109
Location
Walker, MN
Event ID
20070511X00552
Coordinates
47.158332, -94.646110
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadvertent failure to lower the landing gear.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N770C
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
31-755-2016
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
PA-31-350PA31
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
WHITE HAWK AVIATION LLC
Address
281 COUNTY ROAD 19
Status
Deregistered
City
COOPERSTOWN
State / Zip Code
ND 58425-9139
Country
United States

Analysis

The airplane sustained substantial damage during an inadvertent wheels-up landing. The pilot stated that he entered a left downwind for runway 32 (2,803 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) at the intended destination airport. He reported that he lowered the landing gear and completed the before landing checklist. He noted: "All indications showed that [the landing] gear was down." He reported that during the landing flare, he "felt and heard metal grinding on the runway," and immediately executed a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane exhibited a right rolling tendency. Although, the pilot was able to maintain control, he was unable to avoid striking trees during the climb out. He subsequently noticed that the flaps were still down and raised them. The pilot returned to the airport for another landing attempt. He stated: "I lined up for a short final with my gear showing down and locked, flaps set to approach setting and power at almost [maximum]. I was able to land the aircraft and taxi to the ramp without further incident, where I parked and shut down." During the post accident inspection, the landing gear was observed in the down and locked position. Visual inspection of the landing gear did not reveal any anomalies. Three green landing gear position indicator lights were illuminated when the airplane was powered up during the inspection.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI07CA109