N4079H

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 31-350S/N: 31-8152074

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, May 17, 2015
NTSB Number
ANC15CA027
Location
Homer, AK
Event ID
20150526X10116
Coordinates
59.647777, -151.470001
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
8
Total Aboard
8

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue the approach to landing while distracted and his failure to complete the landing checklist.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
31-8152074
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1981
Model / ICAO
PA 31-350M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2
Seats
8
FAA Model
PA-31-350

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WARBELOW'S AIR VENTURES INC
Address
PO BOX 60649
City
FAIRBANKS
State / Zip Code
AK 99709
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was landing a retractable landing gear-equipped, twin engine airplane at an uncontrolled airport. While on final approach, an airplane that landed in front of him reported a moose in the vicinity of the runway. An airport maintenance person announced on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) that he was attempting to chase the moose off of the runway. The pilot became distracted trying to avoid wake turbulence from the preceding airplane and monitor the location of the vehicle and moose and failed to extend the landing gear prior to landing. During touchdown, the airplane contacted the runway with the landing gear retracted, and it slid about 1,200 feet. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC15CA027