N5451P

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-24-250S/N: 24-506

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA169
Location
Mineral Wells, TX
Event ID
20090218X50531
Coordinates
32.781665, -98.060279
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The failure of the airframe and power plant mechanic to ensure proper lubrication of wire cables in the landing gear system during the annual inspection which precluded safe operation of the landing gear system.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
24-506
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA-24-250PA24
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-24-250

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WILLIAMS ANDREW B
Address
2701 HILLEY DR
City
MINERAL WELLS
State / Zip Code
TX 76067-6769
Country
United States

Analysis

On initial climb the airplane's landing gear failed to fully retract. Several attempts made by the pilot to lower the landing gear, including the use of the emergency landing gear system, were unsuccessful. The pilot returned to the airport and land in the grass parallel to the runway. Without properly configured gear, the airplane's firewall was damaged during the landing. Responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors discovered the wire cables which operate the landing gear were insufficiently lubricated during the previous annual inspection which was accomplished 18 days prior to the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA169