# NTSB LAX87LA245: Piper PA-32R-300, N4364X, Tucson, AZ, June 27, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 27, 1987, 15:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Tucson, AZ
- Coordinates: 32.190601, -110.980155 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.1906&lon=-110.9802&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 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25619
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA245
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25619/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA245

## 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,gear locking mechanism - undetermined (contributing factor)
- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - powerplant controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AT THE END OF A BUSINESS FLT, THE PLT EXTENDED THE LANDING GEAR AND NOTED THAT THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR INDICATED THAT IT WAS NOT DOWN AND LOCKED. THE PLT ACTIVATED THE EMERGENCY LANDING GEAR EXTENSION WHICH STILL INDICATED IT WAS NOT DOWN. WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH, THE PLT SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN IN HOPES THAT IF THE GEAR DID COLLAPSE HE MAY BE ABLE TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, HOWEVER, WHEN THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF THE ACFT'S SINK RATE INCREASED. THE PLT ATTEMPTED AN UNSUCCESSFUL RESTART. THE ACFT THEN COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN HALF A MILE FROM THE ARPT. IT WAS NOT DETERMINED IF THE GEAR WAS DOWN AND LOCKED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4364X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4364X-2013-09-16), registration cancelled 2013-09-16, S/N 32R-7680013, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-300) (registry code 7103213) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R7680013
- Airframe hours: 2700
- Engines: LYCOMING TI0-540KIA5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Universe Air Cargo
- Registered owner: Ez Flights Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 22, 1987, 30 hours before
- Departed: E14, TUCSON, AZ
- Destination: SDL, SCOTTSDALE, AZ
- Airport: E14, Avra Valley, runway 30, 3,000 × 75 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,785 total, 450 in this make and model, 4,665 as pilot in command, 49 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 106 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TUS, 22 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 19870627027749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870627027749A), Jun 27, 1987: Piper PA32R300, Tucson, AZ, Substantial damage. Unsafe left main gear light. Shut down engine on final to save engine and prop. Landed short. Pilot stress a factor

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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