What happened
On July 14, 2019, a Piper PA-28R-200, registration PT-DVP, was performing a private flight from Uberaba, MG, to Ribeirão Preto, SP. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger. Upon landing at Leite Lopes Aerodrome (SBRP), the right main landing gear partially retracted. This mechanical failure caused the aircraft to veer to the right during deceleration, eventually coming to a stop on the runway.
Both occupants of the aircraft were unharmed, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators conducted a technical analysis of the landing gear assembly. The inspection revealed that the right main landing gear was twisted and displaced backward. This movement caused significant deformation of the rear spar of the right wing, where the landing gear support is attached. Additionally, the investigation found a row of sheared rivets on both the upper and lower surfaces of the right wing skin. The front attachment pin of the landing gear had also shifted backward and disengaged from its support.
Investigators confirmed that the wheel assembly was rotating freely and that no mechanical failures were found within the landing gear mechanism itself. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits with all documentation and airworthiness certificates up to date.
Notably, the investigation noted that the aircraft and airport personnel moved the aircraft from the runway to a nearby grassy area before the investigation authority could coordinate the scene. This removal of the wreckage without prior authorization from the SIPAER authority potentially obscured evidence that could have identified specific contributing factors.
Findings
- The investigation concluded that the damage was likely caused by a hard landing that placed excessive stress on the right main landing gear, causing it to collapse.
- The specific contributing factors to the occurrence remain undetermined due to the lack of evidence following the unauthorized movement of the aircraft.