Mineral Wells, TX, USA
N5451P
PIPER PA-24-250
While departing the airport, the airplane's landing gear system failed to fully retract when actuated by the private pilot. Several attempts were made by the pilot to fully lower the landing gear, including the use of the "emergency landing gear system." The pilot elected to return to the airport and land in the grass parallel to the runway. During the landing the airplane's firewall was damaged. An inspection conducted on the airplane revealed that the wire cables which operate the landing gear were insufficiently lubricated during the previous annual inspection which was accomplished 18 days prior to the accident.
On initial climb the airplane's landing gear failed to fully retract. Several attempts made by the pilot to lower the landing gear, including the use of the emergency landing gear system, were unsuccessful. The pilot returned to the airport and land in the grass parallel to the runway. Without properly configured gear, the airplane's firewall was damaged during the landing. Responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors discovered the wire cables which operate the landing gear were insufficiently lubricated during the previous annual inspection which was accomplished 18 days prior to the accident.
The failure of the airframe and power plant mechanic to ensure proper lubrication of wire cables in the landing gear system during the annual inspection which precluded safe operation of the landing gear system.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
