# NTSB FTW85LA260: Piper PA-31-350, N66887, Houston, TX, June 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1985, 17:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Houston, TX
- Coordinates: 29.569412, -95.530097 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.5694&lon=-95.5301&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21777
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA260
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21777/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA260

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual separation - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr)
  - go-around - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - exceeded (cause)
  - stall - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- Undershoot, landing - flare/touchdown
- Complete gear collapsed, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED HE FIRST SAW ANOTHER AIRCRAFT AHEAD OF AND BELOW HIM ON FINAL TO THE RUNWAY. HE MANEUVERED TO ESTABLISH INTERVAL, THEN DECIDED TO GO AROUND. HE ADDED FULLTHROTTLES BUT LEFT THE FLAPS AND GEAR DOWN. UNALBE TO CLIMB,HE DECIDED TO LAND BEHIND THE OTHER AIRCRAFT. LANDING SHORT,THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A 1-2 FT LIP AT THE RUNWAY, SHEARING ONE LANDING GEAR AND COLLAPSING ANOTHER. THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE BUT THE PILOT ESCAPED WITHOUT INJURY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N66887 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-350
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31-7405408
- Engines: LYCOMING LTIO-540J2BD 350 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Drw Investments,Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: GLS, GALVESTON, TX
- Airport: AXH, Southwest Airpark, runway 10, 5,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- 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 19850616025889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850616025889A), Jun 16, 1985: Piper PA31350, Houston, TX, Substantial damage. Unable to go around after noting straight in traffic ahead for landing. Struck edge of runway, left gear sheared.

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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