Incident Overview
On 26 September 2014, a Piper PA-34 Seneca (registration SP-GKA) experienced an incident during landing on runway 30 at EPDE airport. The aircraft had completed a series of landings; upon touchdown of the nose gear during the second landing, the gear retracted automatically. According to the crew, the landing gear position indicators showed three green lights before landing, indicating proper extension and locking.
Damage and Subsequent Actions
The automatic retraction resulted in damage to the forward fuselage, nose gear doors, and both propellers. The engines stopped abruptly. After the crew raised the forward fuselage, the nose gear re-extended and locked in place. With permission from the State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL), the aircraft was moved to a hangar.
Investigation Findings
The operator sent the aircraft to Aero-Modlin sp. z o.o. for investigation and repair. During inspection, it was found that the nose gear attachment bracket on the forward fuselage bulkhead had lost rigidity and showed signs of fatigue damage. The entire forward fuselage bulkhead exhibited similar fatigue characteristics. The aircraft, built in 1974, was the first PA-34 in Polish service. Over its 40-year operational history, it had experienced several similar events involving automatic nose gear retraction, the first in the summer of 1976. This was likely related to extensive operation from grass and unpaved runways, particularly in its early service in Poland.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined the cause to be fatigue of the structure caused by operational wear.
Preventive Actions and Recommendations
No preventive actions were taken by the operator. The commission issued no safety recommendations. The owner of the aircraft insisted on its repair, despite suggestions to retire the aircraft.