Probable cause
The collapse of the left main landing gear for reasons that could not be determined.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after a normal approach and landing, during the landing roll after about 5 to 6 seconds, the left main landing gear collapsed. He immediately pulled the mixtures to idle-cut-off, the left wing contacted the runway, and the airplane skidded into the grass to the left of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that he observed three gear down green indications prior to landing.
Postaccident examination of the landing gear system and functional tests found that the nose and main landing gear system functioned normally, and in addition, the three green indicator lights functioned normally. The investigation was unable to duplicate any fault or discover any anomaly with the landing gear system.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA048 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 26, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-31-350
- N-number
- N3VM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.