N7988P

On January 11, 2008, about 1815 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-24-250, N7988P, sustained substantial damage following a gear collapse on landing at the Placerville Airport, Placerville, California. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot as a personal instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight under the provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Tracy, California, at 1745. Placerville was the pilot's intended destination.

The pilot reported that shortly after touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed and the airplane veered off the runway. After exiting the paved runway, the left main and nose gear collapsed.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right wing was structurally damaged. Examination of the landing gear system revealed that the left main landing gear actuator rod was separated and that the fracture was consistent with overload. Continuity was established throughout the landing gear system. The landing gear was extended manually and locked in the down position. The landing gear warning light functioned normally when tested.