PIPER PA-24

Full Narrative

On July 14, 2026, about 1725 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-24 airplane, N5002P, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Rogue Valley International/Medford Airport (MFR), Medford. Oregon. The two pilots were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The flight instructor reported that he and the pilot had intended to familiarize themselves with the airplane after it had been purchased by a new owner. Prior to the accident flight, the new airplane owner reported to the flight instructor that the prebuy inspection had identified some landing gear anomalies. Most of the anomalies were addressed during subsequent maintenance with exception of a delayed landing gear annunciation, which they were unable to duplicate. During the accident flight, one of the pilots asked the air traffic controller to observe if the landing gear was down. On the third circuit in the traffic pattern, the pilots heard the landing gear extend; however, the gear indication for the down and locked position did not illuminate. The pilot asked the tower controller to observe the landing gear position again, and the controller confirmed it was down. Nevertheless, about 200 ft - 300 ft above ground level, the landing gear down and lock position light illuminated and the pilot continued the approach and landing.
Shortly after touchdown, during the landing roll, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane subsequently came to rest on the runway. Postaccident examination by a FAA inspector revealed that the engine mount sustained substantial damage.
The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.