# NTSB CHI88LA076: Piper PA-31-350, N4072D, Dixon, IL, March 10, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 10, 1988, 09:20 local (15:20 UTC)
- Place: Dixon, IL
- Location: 41.8337° N, 89.4462° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at DIXON MUNI-CHARLES R WALGREEN FLD (C73), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8337&lon=-89.4462&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 28, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14054
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88LA076
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14054/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88LA076

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach
  - landing gear,normal retraction/extension assembly - binding(mechanical) (cause)
  - gear extension - not possible
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - wheels up landing

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4072D (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-350
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31-8152017
- Airframe hours: 2028
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540 350 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Blackhawk Air Service
- Registered owner: Blackhawk Air Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, February 24, 1988, 23 hours before
- Departed: FEP, FREEPORT, IL
- Destination: RFD, ROCKFORD, IL
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: C73, Dixon Muni, runway 8, 3,900 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 22,180 total, 1,208 in this make and model, 21,725 as pilot in command, 180 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19880310048909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880310048909A), Mar 10, 1988: Piper PA31350, Dixon, IL, Substantial damage. Unable to extend the landing gear. Landed gear up on grass adjacent to a runway. Binding in hydraulic power pack.

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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