Accident Description
On 9 July 2024 at 17:10 local time, a Piper PA-31T1 aircraft was on the apron at position 5 of Aeródromo El Loa (SCCF) in Calama, Región de Antofagasta, Chile. The aircraft had both engines running when its nose landing gear retracted. The flight was intended to be a secondary air ambulance transfer of a patient from Calama to Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCEL) in Santiago. Following the gear collapse, the two pilots and five passengers evacuated the aircraft unassisted with help from airport fire service personnel. The aircraft's ELT did not activate because the acceleration forces were insufficient to trigger it automatically.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft, a Piper PA-31T1 (serial number 31T-7820020, year 1978), was operated by a company holding AOC No. 1389. It was powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-28 engines and Hartzell HC-B3TN-3 propellers. At the time of the event, the aircraft had 700 liters (185 US gallons) of Jet A-1 fuel onboard. The crew consisted of two Chilean pilots: the pilot-in-command, aged 38, held an Airline Transport Pilot License (airplane) and the co-pilot, aged 67, held a Commercial Pilot License (airplane). Both pilots had valid medical certificates and no previous accidents.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the forward fuselage (nose area), including scratches to the radome, and to the lower rear fuselage when it was lifted. Both propellers were damaged from impact with the ground, and both engines were damaged due to sudden stoppage. No other damage occurred.
Investigation
The investigation, conducted by the DGAC (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil) in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 and local regulations, is in the analysis phase. Inspectors examined the aircraft on 10 July 2024 and found the landing gear lever in the "up" position, but the landing gear position lights indicated down and locked. The preliminary report notes the propeller impact marks on the apron. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the gear retraction.