What happened
On June 8, 2018, a Beechcraft 58, registration PP-JGO, was performing a repositioning flight from São José do Rio Preto to Birigui, Brazil. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) by a single pilot.
Upon landing on runway 13 at the Comandante Munir Djabak Aerodrome, the aircraft initially touched down normally in the first third of the runway. However, after traveling approximately 100 meters along the runway, the nose gear and the left main landing gear unexpectedly retracted. This caused the aircraft to strike the ground and veer partially off the left side of the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators reviewed surveillance footage, which confirmed that the landing approach was stabilized and that the initial touchdown was correct. The investigation focused on the landing gear mechanism, specifically the actuation and locking systems.
Testing of the electrical motor and the gearbox showed they were functioning satisfactorily. However, physical examination of the landing gear components revealed significant structural damage. The nose gear strut was found to be bent, and the left main landing gear strut exhibited torsion at the connection point to the gearbox. These deformations were identified as plastic deformations caused by overload.
While the investigation could not definitively determine if these structural deformations occurred during the impact with the ground or prior to the accident, the sequence of events captured on video showed the nose gear retracting first, followed immediately by the left main gear. The investigation also noted that while the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, the engine and airframe logbooks had not been updated.
Findings
- The nose gear and left main landing gear retracted following the initial touchdown.
- The landing gear struts suffered plastic deformations (bending and torsion) due to overload.
- The pilot was properly licensed and medically certified for the operation.
- The aircraft was within weight and balance limits.
- Undetermined maintenance issues or unreported improper landing procedures may have contributed to the degradation of the landing gear locking system.