Probable cause
The failure of the alternator drive belt, which resulted in insufficient electrical power to extend the landing gear and a subsequent gear-up landing.
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NTSB analysis
During a night instructional flight, the pilot receiving instruction and flight instructor noticed the battery warning light illuminate. The ammeter showed that the battery was not charging and indicated 24 volts. They checked the circuit breakers, the alternator switch, and the master switch; all appeared normal and/or in the ON position. They elected to return to the departure airport. Before landing, the pilot receiving instruction lowered the landing gear handle and advised that the landing gear was down; all the lights flickered, and the instrument panel went dark. During landing, the flight instructor noticed that the propeller had stopped and heard the sound of grinding, then realized that the landing gear was retracted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the alternator drive belt had failed and was found loose in the engine compartment.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA065 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 20, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Canon City, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Fremont County Airport (1V6)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA32R
- N-number
- N4187H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.