Summary
On 2 June 2007, at 18:05 local time, a Piper PA-24-180, registration CS-ALT, operated by AEROPILOTO, experienced a landing gear collapse during landing at Aeródromo Municipal de Cascais. The aircraft had two persons on board; both were uninjured. The aircraft sustained minor damage.
Sequence of Events
The flight departed Cascais earlier that day for Évora Municipal Aerodrome (LPEV). After takeoff, the pilot noticed an irregular indication of the landing gear position and confirmed with the tower that the gear was retracted. On approach to Évora, the pilot checked the gear and concluded there was no warning that the gear was down and locked, but proceeded and landed normally.
On the return flight to Cascais, the pilot reported a strong fuel smell. At 18:05, the aircraft made a very smooth landing with wind almost aligned with the runway. After rolling approximately 100 meters, the nose wheel collapsed, followed by the main landing gear. The aircraft came to rest on the runway centerline.
Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft was a Piper PA-24-180, a single-engine low-wing monoplane with retractable tricycle landing gear. It was operated by AEROPILOTO. The flight carried a pilot and a passenger, who was also a co-owner of the aircraft.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants exited the aircraft unaided and were uninjured. The aircraft suffered minor damage to the lower fuselage, propeller tips, and landing gear actuation system.