Accident Overview
On June 22, 2012, at approximately 1740 central daylight time, a Piper PA-46-310P (registration N43840) experienced a landing gear collapse during landing at Metropolis Municipal Airport (KM30), Metropolis, Illinois. The pilot, who was the sole occupant on board, reported no injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including firewall damage and a compromised pressure vessel.
Aircraft and Operator
The airplane was registered to and operated by Ware Resources, LLC, based in Martinsville, Illinois. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. The cross-country flight originated from Nashville International Airport (KBNA), Tennessee.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported lowering the landing gear and observing three green annunciator lights indicating that the gear was down and locked. The airplane touched down on runway 36. Shortly after touchdown, the nose gear collapsed. The aircraft then began drifting to the left, and the right main gear collapsed, followed by the collapse of the left main gear.
Post-Accident Examination
Personnel from the fixed base operator at Metropolis Municipal Airport recovered the airplane and examined the landing gear system. They reported that the landing gear handle was in the UP position. The pilot stated he may have inadvertently hit the handle when the nose gear collapsed and he was thrown forward. The hydraulic reservoir was full with no signs of leakage.
The aircraft was placed on jacks for further inspection. When the emergency extension handle was pulled, the main landing gear extended. The left main gear locked into place, and the right main gear locked after a slight push. After removal of the nose gear doors, the nose gear extended and locked. Due to damage to the nose gear steering, the landing gear could not be cycled. The landing gear selector handle was moved to the DOWN position, and proper travel at the selector valve was observed.