Incident Overview
On August 8, 2024, at approximately 1959 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-30 airplane, registration N8458Y, was substantially damaged during a landing at Buchanan Field Airport (CCR) in Concord, California. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that the tower controller at CCR instructed him to report a "2 mile right base for runway 32R." He notified the tower that he was on a "3 mile right base" and then extended the landing gear. After receiving clearance to land, he turned for final approach and performed a GUMPS check, at which point he noted that the landing gear switch was in the down position but the corresponding annunciator indicated the gear was in the up position. The pilot attempted to recycle the landing gear, but the annunciator light still indicated the gear was up and locked.
Troubleshooting and Go-Around
The tower controller approved a go-around; however, the pilot's subsequent attempts to recycle the gear were unsuccessful. He then performed a low pass (fly-by) and the tower confirmed that the landing gear was partially down and did not appear locked. The pilot briefly checked the circuit breakers with his hand and noted none had popped.
Continuing to circle the field above traffic pattern altitude, the pilot recycled the gear multiple times and attempted to shake the gear loose by turning abruptly. After these efforts failed, a mechanic and the owner of the airplane were allowed into the tower to assist with troubleshooting. At their suggestion, the pilot raised the jackscrew lock to manually release the landing gear, but was unsuccessful.
Final Approach and Landing
Following several additional maneuvers—rolling, climbing, and diving—aimed at lowering the gear, the tower controller noted the sun was setting and asked if the pilot wished to continue. The pilot decided to land as he was mentally and physically fatigued. The tower cleared him to land on runway 19R. After one more low pass, the pilot landed the airplane on the partially extended landing gear. During touchdown, the gear collapsed and the airplane skidded to a stop, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Post-Accident Actions
The wreckage has been retained for further examination.