Piper PA-28R-200 N4823F accident near Crystal, Minnesota

Probable cause

The malfunction of the landing gear system which resulted in a collapse of the main landing gear during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while on downwind, he lowered the landing gear lever; however, the landing gear position indicator lights did not illuminate. He cycled the landing gear lever several times with no change. The pilot noticed the sound was “less than normal” and that there was “less buffeting” when lowering the landing gear. He attempted to lock the landing gear in the down position by yawing the airplane to the left and right.

The pilot flew the airplane past the air traffic control tower, and the controller verified that the airplane’s landing gear appeared to be extended. He then cycled the landing gear lever before landing. During the landing roll, the main landing gear collapsed. The airplane exited the left side of the runway, struck several runway and taxiway lights, and came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its left wing.

The pilot did not perform the emergency gear extension procedure because the pilot’s operating handbook with the emergency procedures was in the baggage compartment at the time of the accident.

Postaccident examination revealed that, when the airplane was lifted, the main landing gear extended and locked in the down position.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA061 for the full record.