Incident Overview
On April 15, 2022, at approximately 0530 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-24-400 airplane, registration N8493P, was substantially damaged in an accident near Benson Municipal Airport (E95) in Benson, Arizona. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted as a personal operation under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Landing and Post-Landing
According to the pilot, while approaching E95 for landing, a departing helicopter reported deer near the runway. The pilot turned on the landing lights, extended the landing gear, and began an approach to runway 10. He observed no deer activity and proceeded to land. Upon touchdown, the airplane began to shake and came to a stop with its belly resting on the runway. The main landing gear was partially extended, and the nose gear was not visible due to the airplane's position.
Recovery and Examination
Personnel recovering the airplane found the landing gear switch in the down position. When the airplane was lifted off the runway, the landing gear remained partially extended and did not respond when electrical power was applied and the gear switch was manipulated. The landing gear was successfully lowered and locked using the emergency gear system. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the skins, frames, and stringers on the lower fuselage.
A postaccident examination was conducted with the airplane on jack stands. The landing gear motor circuit breaker was found popped. After resetting the breaker, the landing gear was cycled multiple times—raising and lowering using the airplane's electrical power and switch—and operated normally. Gear position indicator lights functioned correctly. No damage was observed to the main landing gear wheels, gear doors, or nosewheel. However, abrasion was noted on the face of both nose gear doors, consistent with the doors being closed during landing. The landing gear extended to approximately the position seen during recovery, with the nosewheel and nose gear doors protruding about 5 inches below the fuselage. No preimpact anomalies were identified that would have prevented normal gear operation.