N551N

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-34-200TS/N: 34-7570197

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, August 2, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA09CA437
Location
Lincoln Park, NJ
Event ID
20090803X21550
Coordinates
40.947498, -74.314445
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 improper flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and the subsequent collapse of the landing gear.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N551N
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
34-7570197
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1975
Model / ICAO
PA-34-200TPA34
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BREEN ENTERPRISES LLC
Address
3511 SILVERSIDE RD STE 105
Status
Deregistered
City
WILMINGTON
State / Zip Code
DE 19810-4902
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that because the runway was wet, he was "determined to touch down as close to the approach end as possible." On landing, the airplane bounced, and the nose and main landing gear subsequently collapsed. The airplane came to rest on the runway, approximately 1,700 feet beyond the landing threshold, and sustained substantial damage. An airport surveillance video camera captured the accident sequence. Review of the video indicated that the airplane first contacted the runway just beyond the displaced threshold, in a flat attitude, with no flare or float. The airplane bounced and re-contacted the runway on its nose landing gear, which then collapsed. This was followed by a series of rapid, large-amplitude pitch oscillations, and collapse of the main gear.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA437