# NTSB FTW98LA139: Piper PA-46-350P, N9254X, Dallas, TX, February 24, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 24, 1998, 15:35 local (21:35 UTC) - Place: Dallas, TX - Coordinates: 32.870975, -96.880111 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.8710&lon=-96.8801&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 19, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 20546 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW98LA139 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20546/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA139 ## Probable cause The nose gear collapsed for an undetermined reason. A factor was the total electrical failure due to the separation of the alternator output lugs resulting from inadequate maintenance. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - downwind - electrical system,alternator - miscellaneous,bolt/nut/fastener/clamp/spring - disconnected (contributing factor) - maintenance - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor) - Gear collapsed, landing - roll - landing gear,nose gear - collapsed (cause) - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) ## Analysis During the landing roll, the nose gear collapsed. On a previous flight and during the approach on this flight, the aircraft experienced a total electrical failure. Following the first electrical failure, the battery was replaced by company maintenance personnel and the electrical system checked operational per the manufacturer procedures. The airframe Maintenance Manual inspection checklist states in part: Inspect wiring to engine and accessories, replace damaged wires and clamps, and inspect terminals for security. The section of the maintenance manual describing servicing the electrical system in part states: 'The security of all electrical connections should be checked.' Examination of the accident airplane revealed that the output lugs were broken off both alternators. NTSB Metallurgical examination of the fracture surfaces revealed 'no discernable fracture features. Both parts contained evidence of electrical arcing that caused significant melting of the separated ends.' A post-accident landing gear retraction test revealed no evidence of discrepancies with the landing gear system. Time since the last annual inspection was 12.7 hours. ## Factual narrative On February 24, 1998, at 1535 central standard time, a Piper PA-46-350P airplane, N9254X, sustained substantial damage following a total electrical failure and a nose gear collapse during the landing roll at Dallas Love Field, Dallas, Texas. The airplane, owned by JRW Aviation, Inc., Dallas, Texas, was operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated at Lampasas, Texas, approximately 1430. During telephone interviews, conducted by the investigator-in-charge, the director of maintenance and the pilot reported that 3 days prior to the accident, the aircraft was landed at Lampasas following a total electrical failure. The battery was replaced by company maintenance personnel and the electrical system checked operational per the manufacturer procedures. The flight departed Lampasas and the pilot was receiving vectors for a visual approach to the downwind position for runway 13L at Dallas Love Field when the aircraft lost all electrical power. The pilot performed the emergency landing gear extension procedure; however, the position of the gear could not be confirmed due to the electrical failure. The nose gear collapsed during the landing roll. The FAA inspectors and a mechanic examining the airplane found structural damage to the airframe at the area where the nose landing gear trunion mounts. The propeller and nose gear doors were damaged. Under the surveillance of the FAA inspector on March 10 and March 18, gear retraction tests were performed by the director-of-maintenance and the manufacturer representative. The landing gear "checked okay during normal and emergency extension. No interference of any kind affected the operational check." During the removal of the engine, it was found that the output lugs were broken off both alternators. The two output lugs were forwarded to the NTSB Metallurgical Laboratory. Metallurgical examination of the output lug fracture surfaces revealed "no discernable fracture features. Both parts contained evidence of electrical arcing that caused significant melting of the separated ends." A review of the maintenance records by the investigator-in-charge revealed that the last annual inspection was performed on January 21, 1998. At that time the nose gear up-roller, bushing, spring, and bolt were replaced and gear retraction tested. The airplane was determined to be in an airworthy condition. Time since the annual inspection was 12.7 hours. The Piper Aircraft Maintenance Manual (Chapter 5-20-00) inspection checklist includes the following items: Inspect wiring to engine and accessories. Replace damaged wires and clamps. Inspect terminals for security. Inspect alternator(s) for cracks, condition, and security. Check alternator output. The section of the airframe maintenance manual describing the servicing of the electrical system (Chapter 12-10-00) in part states: "The security of all electrical connections should be checked." ## Aircraft - Registration: N9254X (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-46-350P - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 4622189 - Airframe hours: 313 - Engines: Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A 350 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Jrw Aviation, Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, January 21, 1998, 12 hours before - Departed: T28, LAMPASAS, TX - Airport: DAL, Dallas Love, runway 31L, 8,800 × 150 ft, concrete ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 5,000 total, 5 in this make and model, 4,300 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 170° at 14 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: DAL ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Incident 19980224005609I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980224005609I), Feb 24, 1998: Piper PA46350P, Dallas, TX, Minor damage. Narrative: on down wind leg for a landing at Dallas Love Field, the pilot lost all electrical power. Emergency extension of the landing gear was accomplished.… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.