N4078J is a 1980 Piper PA-31-350. It is a fixed-wing multi-engine aircraft with 8 seats, powered by a Lycoming TI0-540 SER rated at 310 horsepower. The registration is active, with the registrant based in Tinian, MP. Its standard airworthiness certificate was issued in Jan 1981. It has been registered to its current owner since Mar 2021. This page also carries 1 NTSB event.
- 46 years old
- 1 of 426 Piper PA-31-350
2021
1981
That's everything on file so far — TailWiki checks the FAA registry daily and adds new entries as N4078J's record changes.
The pilot reported that during the initial climb, about 150 feet above the ground, while the landing gear was being retracted, the airplane impacted a flock of medium sized birds. He noted that the landing gear unlock indicator remained illuminated and the landing gear handle would not return to the up neutral position. No degradation of performance was noted, so the pilot choose to continue to his destination.
About 20 miles from the airport, the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear, but was unsuccessful. He contacted maintenance personnel on the ground and advised them of the landing gear issue. The ground maintenance personnel visually verified that the nose and right main landing gear were down. The pilot performed the emergency gear extension checklist and noted little to no resistance on the hand pump. After multiple attempts to lower the landing gear, Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Support was requested. Soon after, the pilot received clearance to land.
During the landing the right main landing gear collapsed and the left wing impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
A postaccident examination revealed snarge on both horizonal stabilizers, left wing, and fuselage. It was noted that the right inboard main landing gear door actuator hose had failed.
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