# NTSB ATL84LA108: Piper PA-24-250, N6720P, Walterboro, SC, February 26, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 26, 1984, 16:20 local (21:20 UTC)
- Place: Walterboro, SC
- Coordinates: 32.899688, -80.669715 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.8997&lon=-80.6697&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6417
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84LA108
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6417/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LA108

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - exceeded
  - landing gear,normal retraction/extension assembly - unlocked (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
  - gear down and locked - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- Complete gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT DID NOT GET A GREEN GEAR DOWN INDICATION WHEN THE LANDING GEAR WAS LOWERED. A FLY-BY WAS PERFORMED AND HE WAS TOLD THAT THE LANDING GEAR LOOKED DOWN. THE PLT DID NOT PROPERLY OPERATE THE EMERGENCY SYSTEM. DURING LANDING, THE GEAR COLLAPSED. THE LANDING GEAR WAS OPERATED SUCCESSFUL DURING A POST ACCIDENT GROUND CHECK ON BOTH SYSTEM, EXCEPT THE GEAR DID NOT LOCK DOWN ON THE 1ST ATTEMPT USING THE NORMAL SYSTEM. THE ACFT WAS OVERDUE FOR AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE OWNER STATED THAT HE DID NOT AUTHORIZE THIS FLT, BUT HAD INTENDED FOR THE PLT TO FERRY THE ACFT FOR AN ANNUAL INSPECTIONAFTER HE (THE OWNER) HAD OBTAINED A FERRY PERMIT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6720P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6720P), registered now, S/N 24-1847, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-1847
- Airframe hours: 3525
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1D5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gardner Trucking Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 12, 1981, 25 hours before
- Airport: RBW, Walterboro Municipal, runway 17, 5,700 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,030 total, 9 in this make and model, 2,030 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHS, 30 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840226005129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840226005129A), Feb 26, 1984: Piper PA24250, Walterboro, SC, Substantial damage. Unable to get a gear down light or manual lockdown. Gear collapsed on landing. Gear dirty and greasy. Manual was ok

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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