N811LEPIPER PA-302026-02-24 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-30S/N: 30-1224

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
NTSB Number
WPR26LA107
Location
Big Bear, CA
Event ID
20260225202498
Coordinates
34.263778, -116.856020
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
30-1224
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1966
Model / ICAO
PA-30PA30
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2
Seats
6
FAA Model
PA-30

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SMITH COLIN B
Address
810 CORNISH DR
City
SAN DIEGO
State / Zip Code
CA 92107-4228
Country
United States

Analysis

On February 23, 2026, at 1800 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-30, N811LE, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Big Bear, California. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported an uneventful flight from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF), San Diego, California, to Big Bear City Airport (L35), Big Bear, California. Upon arrival at L35, the pilot extended the landing gear and saw that the nose landing gear was extended down, but the green landing gear light was not illuminated. After touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane slid down the runway, which resulted in damage to the fuselage undercarriage.

The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR26LA107