Flight History
On 21 May 2013, a Piper PA-28RT-201T, registration EC-KQL, operated by FLYBAI, departed from Bilbao Airport at 09:15 local time for a local visual flight. The purpose of the flight was to renew the aircraft's airworthiness certificate. On board were the pilot and an inspector from the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA). After completing the required maneuvers, the aircraft returned to Bilbao for landing.
Accident Sequence
While established in the traffic pattern, the pilot noticed that the green indicator light for the right main landing gear did not illuminate, indicating the gear might not be down and locked. The pilot requested a low pass over the runway to allow the tower and another aircraft on the ground to visually confirm the gear position. Both observers reported that all three landing gear appeared to be extended. The pilot then retracted the gear, re-entered the traffic pattern, and on final approach only two green lights (nose and left main) were illuminated. The tower personnel confirmed that the gear appeared down but could not guarantee it was locked. The tower authorized the landing.
At 09:50, the aircraft touched down on runway 28. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the right wing tip to contact the runway surface. The aircraft slid on the right wing and came to a stop on the runway, supported by the right wing and the access step. The pilot shut down the engine and electrical system, and both occupants evacuated the aircraft unaided, uninjured.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage to the right wing, fuselage, and right main landing gear. A runway edge light was broken by the impact of the right wing during the slide. Both the pilot and the inspector were uninjured.