# NTSB LAX84LA282: Piper PA-24-250, N5597P, Visalia, CA, May 5, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 5, 1984, 16:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Visalia, CA
- Location: 36.3186° N, 119.3929° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at VISALIA MUNI (VIS), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3186&lon=-119.3929&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24252
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA282
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24252/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA282

## 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
  - landing gear,normal retraction/extension assembly - binding(mechanical) (cause)
  - landing gear - inoperative
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - performed, pilot in command
  - wheels up landing - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

WHEN THE PLT ARRIVED AT HIS DESTINATION, HE WAS UNABLE TO FULLY EXTEND THE GEAR. HE DIVERTED TO VISALIA, CA. AFTER REDUCING THE FUEL LOAD, HE MADE AN INTENTIONAL, POWER-OFF, WHEELS-UP LANDING. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT NOSE GEAR BELLCRANK ASSY HAD CAUGHT ON THE EDGE OF A BOX PLATE AS THE GEAR WAS BEING EXTENDED. SINCE ALL 3 GEAR WORKED TOGETHER, THIS ALSO PREVENTED THE MAIN GEAR FROM FULLY EXTENDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5597P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5597P-2004-11-05), registration cancelled 2004-11-05, S/N 24-664, built 1959 (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
- Airframe hours: 2050
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1A 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Stephen H. Incledon
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 30, 1983
- Departed: 59S, VANCOUVER, WA
- Destination: CCB, UPLAND, CA
- Airport: VIS, Visalia, runway 30, 6,559 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; seat: left; flight hours: 1,165 total, 800 in this make and model, 1,095 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19840505015939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840505015939A), May 5, 1984: Piper PA24250, Visalia, CA, Substantial damage. Reported gear jammed partially extended. Elected to land gear up. Gear checked normal. Possible hard landing stress

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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