Probable cause
The pilot misjudged the flare resulting in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he made a firm landing and had a blown right main tire, but indicated no other problems. After replacement of both tires, the airplane continued in service for two flight sequences, flown by other pilots. Inspection by maintenance personnel revealed a line of popped rivet heads on the upper surface of the left wing above the rear spar between the nacelle and the wing fillet fairing. A close inspection discovered popped rivet heads on the left side of the fuselage below the cabin window with a gap visible in the skin lap. Inspection of both main gear wheels and tires revealed cuts and impressions in the tire sidewalls indicative of a very hard landing. Further inspection discovered buckling of both main spar webs between the fuselage and nacelles.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA014 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 29, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fresno, California
- Nearest airport
- Fresno (FAT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-31-350
- N-number
- N27996
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.