Piper PA 46 350P N60PB accident near Auburn, Washington

Probable cause

A collapse of the nose landing gear for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot reported that he performed the before landing checklist and verified that there were three green landing gear indicator lights illuminated. He added that the landing was "soft" and that he held the nose gear off the runway as long as possible. When the nose gear touched down, the airplane veered sharply to the left. The pilot applied right rudder control and brakes to avoid a runway excursion. The nose gear collapsed and the airplane skidded to a stop.

The airplane was not made available for examination after the accident. A review of maintenance records indicated that a service bulletin (SB) to inspect the engine mounts for cracks, which the manufacturer considered mandatory, was not accomplished. The SB stated that cracks develop in the area of the nose gear actuator feet on the engine mount. The condition can occur when the nose landing gear is subjected to excessive loads due to hard landings, rough field operations, excessive-speed turns, improper airplane towing, or other improper operations.

It is possible that the engine mount was cracked as identified in the service bulletin, which led to the nose gear collapse; however, because the airplane was not examined following the accident, the reason for the nose gear collapse could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14LA307 for the full record.