# NTSB CHI96LA021: Piper PA-34, N8LP, Indianapolis, IN, October 26, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 26, 1995, 17:10 local (22:10 UTC)
- Place: Indianapolis, IN
- Coordinates: 39.669651, -86.069061 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.6697&lon=-86.0691&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 6, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10143
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA021
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10143/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA021

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to lower the landing gear. Factors which contributed to the accident were: inadequate preflight necessitating a precautionary landing and the pilot's failure to use the pre-landing checklist.

## Sequence of events

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

- Wheels up landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - checklist - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - gear extension - not performed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT HAD JUST BEEN REFUELED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. THE PILOT SAID HE DID NOT CHECK THE FUEL CAPS FOR SECURITY. AFTER TAKEOFF, FUEL BEGAN VENTING FROM THE LEFT TANK. THE PILOT RETURNED FOR LANDING, BUT DID NOT COMPLETE HIS NORMAL PRELANDING CHECKLIST AND LANDED GEAR UP. AIRPORT PERSONAL FOUND THE LEFT FUEL CAP ON THE RUNWAY. POSTFLIGHT CHECKS SHOWED THAT THE LANDING GEAR SYSTEM WAS OPERATING CORRECTLY.

## Factual narrative

On October 26, 1995, at 1710 eastern standard time (est) a Piper PA34, N8LP, piloted by a commercial pilot was substantially damaged during a gear up landing on runway 18 (Dry asphalt, 5500'x100') at Terry Airport, Indianapolis, Indiana.  The personal 14 CFR part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan.  Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident.  The pilot reported no injuries.  The flight departed Indianapolis, Indiana at 1705 est.

During a telephone conversation with the pilot he stated that the aircraft had just been refueled prior to departure.  The pilot said that during preflight he did not physically check the fuel caps for security.  After takeoff the pilot noticed fuel venting from the left tank, and decided to return to the airport.  A right hand traffic pattern was flown in an attempt to minimize fuel loss.  The pilot stated that he did not complete his normal prelanding checklist, and could not remember if the gear warning horn sounded.

Airport personal found the left fuel cap on the runway.  Following the accident, the landing gear system functioned correctly.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8LP (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-34
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 34-8350042
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1E6 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Willard Nickish
- Registered owner: Wildirk LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: SUS, ST. LOUIS, MO
- Airport: I52, Indianapolis Terry, runway 18, 5,500 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,778 total, 1,412 in this make and model, 1,645 as pilot in command, 61 in the last 90 days, 43 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IND, 25 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 19951026034669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951026034669A), Oct 26, 1995: Piper PA34200, Indianapolis, IN, Substantial damage. Fueled prior departure. Fuel vented. Returned. Failed complete check list. Landed gear up. Found fuel cap on runway (-23) on October 26, 1995, at 1710 CST, a…

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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