On February 20, 2016, a Piper PA-34-200 T Seneca II was involved in an aviation accident near EPML, PL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Hydraulic system leak due to damaged O-ring in the nose landing gear actuator. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL).
On 20 February 2016, a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II training flight experienced a nose gear extension failure due to a hydraulic leak from a damaged O-ring. The crew performed emergency gear extension and landed safely.
Incident Description
On 20 February 2016, a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, operated by the Aviation Training Centre of the Państwowa Wyższa Szkoła Zawodowa in Chełm, was conducting a training flight for Instrument Rating/Multi-Engine (IR/ME) privileges. The crew consisted of a student pilot and an instructor pilot. During the approach to landing at EPML airport, after the landing gear lever was moved to the DOWN position, the nose landing gear failed to extend. The crew retracted the gear and successfully performed the emergency gear extension procedure. The aircraft then landed on runway 27 without further incident.
Cause
Investigation revealed that the nose gear failure was caused by a hydraulic system leak resulting from a damaged O-ring seal in the nose landing gear actuator. Hydraulic fluid was found to have leaked from the system. After replacing the O-ring and replenishing the hydraulic fluid, the aircraft was returned to service.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II. It was used for advanced flight training. Both occupants were uninjured.
Probable cause
Hydraulic system leak due to damaged O-ring in the nose landing gear actuator.