What happened
On July 9, 2024, at approximately 17:10 local time, a Piper PA-31T1 was positioned at parking stand number 5 at El Loa Aerodrome (SCCF) in Calama, Chile. The aircraft, operated as an air ambulance for a secondary medical transfer, was preparing for a flight to Santiago. While both engines were running and the aircraft was stationary on the apron, the nose landing gear unexpectedly retracted.
As the nose gear collapsed, the aircraft's forward fuselage and propellers made contact with the ground. There were no fatalities or injuries among the two pilots and five passengers on board. The aircraft sustained damage to the radome, the lower rear fuselage, and both engines, which suffered damage due to the sudden stoppage of the propellers upon impact with the pavement.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators visited the site on July 10, 202 and examined the aircraft at its parking position. The investigation confirmed impact marks on the apron left by the propellers. Physical inspection of the aircraft revealed scratches on the radome and damage to the lower fuselage.
Investigators also examined the landing gear control mechanism. At the time of inspection, the landing gear lever was in the 'up' position, although the landing gear position lights indicated that the gear was down and locked. The investigation also reviewed the operator's maintenance records, confirming that the aircraft was maintained under a DGAC-approved program and that the operator held a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for commercial and air ambulance services.
Findings
- The nose gear retracted while the aircraft was stationary on the apron with engines running.
- Both propellers sustained damage from striking the ground.
- Both engines experienced damage resulting from the abrupt stoppage caused by the propeller impact.
- The aircraft was operating within its maximum takeoff weight limits at the time of the event.