# NTSB MIA86LA231: Piper PA24-180, N55UA, Orlando, FL, August 11, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 10, 1986, 23:27 local (Aug 11, 1986, 03:27 UTC)
- Place: Orlando, FL
- Coordinates: 28.479192, -81.319183 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.4792&lon=-81.3192&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): 31690
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA86LA231
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31690/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA231

## 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 - final approach
  - landing gear,emergency extension assembly - binding(mechanical) (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - improper, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,emergency extension assembly - failure,total (cause)
  - wheels up landing - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

PLT WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETELY EXTEND LANDING GEAR VIA ELECTRIC AND MANUAL MEANS. A LANDING WAS MADE WITH GEAR PARTIALLY EXTENDED. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THE LANDING GEAR EXTENTION MECHANISM WAS BINDING IN THE MANUAL EXTENTION MECHANISM TUNNEL BETWEEN THE TWO FRONT SEATS. PULLING ON THE LANDING GEAR ALLOWED IT TO FREE AND OPERATE NORMALLY AFTER THIS. INSPECTION OF AIRCRAFT RECORDS REVEALED THE AIRCRAFT WAS LANDED GEAR UP 125 HOURS BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BELLY AND LANDING GEAR MOTOR MOUNTING AREA. THE POINT THE GEAR MECHANISM WAS BINDING WAS DEEPLY SCARRED INDICATING IT HAD BEEN RUBBING FOR SOMETIME.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N55UA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N55UA-2018-04-16), registration cancelled 2018-04-16, S/N 24-667 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA24-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24) (registry code 7102402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-667
- Airframe hours: 2229
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William W. Deloach
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 1985, 35 hours before
- Departed: TMB, MIAMI, FL
- Airport: runway 18R, 12,004 × 300 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 900 total, 740 in this make and model, 810 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 110° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCO

## 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 19860810038629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860810038629A), Aug 10, 1986: Piper PA24, Orlando, FL, Substantial damage. The gear failed to fully extend normally or manually and collapsed on landing. System was found to be binding.

## Other investigations on N55UA (1)

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.

- [NTSB GAA16CA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA162), Mar 26, 2016: Piper PA24 (N55UA), Homestead, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilots decision to hand prop the airplane's engine without securing the airplane, resulting a runaway airplane and collision with a fence.

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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