Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-28RT-201T Turbo Arrow, registration EC-EGX, serial number 28R-7931102. It was on a private general aviation flight and was crewed by a single pilot, who was uninjured.
Accident Sequence
On 28 December 2016, at approximately 13:30 local time, the aircraft was on approach to runway 04 at Burgos Airport (LEBG). About 10 nautical miles from the airport, the pilot felt a thud from the landing gear and a banging from the propeller. The pilot continued the approach and executed a normal landing. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the collapse of the left main landing gear was caused by the failure of the articulation bolt of the drag strut on the left main landing gear leg. This bolt had experienced fatigue cracks that led to its separation, resulting in the detachment of the landing gear leg. No other causes or contributing factors were identified.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the collapse of the left main landing gear due to the failure of the articulation bolt of the drag strut on the main landing gear leg, which caused its detachment.