What happened
On August 8, 2024, at approximately 19:59 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-30, registration N8458Y, was involved in an accident near Buchanan Field Airport (CCR) in Concord, California. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
While established on a right base for runway 32R, the pilot extended the landing gear and performed a GUMPS check. During this check, the pilot observed that although the landing gear switch was in the down position, the corresponding annunciator indicated the gear was up and locked. The pilot attempted to recycle the gear, but the annunciator status did not change.
Following a tower-approved go-around, the pilot performed a fly-by of the runway. The tower controller observed that the landing gear was partially extended and did not appear to be locked. The pilot attempted several maneuvers, including abrupt turns, rolling, climbing, and diving, to try and release the gear. During the troubleshooting process, the owner and a mechanic joined the pilot in the tower to assist. Following their suggestion, the pilot raised the jackscrew lock to attempt a manual release, but this was unsuccessful.
Due to fatigue and fading light, the pilot decided to land on runway 19R. Upon landing on the partially extended gear, the landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to skid to a stop. The pilot was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Findings
The pilot noted that no circuit breakers had popped during the flight.