History of the Flight
On 4 September 2018, a Piper PA-28R-200 aircraft, registration EC-HSZ, departed from Cuatro Vientos Airport for San Sebastián with three persons on board, all pilots. The purpose was to retrieve another aircraft. The return flight was conducted in two segments: San Sebastián to Burgos, and Burgos to Cuatro Vientos. During the last segment, the sole occupant was the pilot of EC-HSZ; the other two flew in the other aircraft.
After takeoff from Burgos Airport, the pilot retracted the landing gear and noticed the amber transit light remained illuminated. The pilots of the other aircraft visually confirmed the nose gear was retracted but the main gear legs were in an intermediate position. Multiple attempts to move the gear control up and down produced no change. The pilot then attempted the manual emergency extension procedure, but despite repeated efforts throughout the approximately two-hour flight, the gear could not be lowered and locked.
Approaching Cuatro Vientos, the pilot reported the situation. At the tower's request, he performed a low pass, confirming the gear was partially extended. The aircraft was cleared to land on runway 27. The approach was gradual with a shallow slope, and the aircraft remained stabilized. After touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft skidded on the runway before coming to a stop within the runway confines.
Injuries and Damage
The sole occupant was uninjured and exited the aircraft without assistance. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the manual emergency system for lowering the landing gear was inoperative due to improper and undocumented maintenance tasks performed on it. This condition prevented the pilot from extending and locking the landing gear, leading to the collapse during the landing roll.