What happened
On 13 September 2020, a Piper PA-24-180 Comanche, registration N5839P, was performing a private flight when the pilot initiated an emergency procedure. While executing an overhead join for an approach to Runway 26 at Compton Abbas Airfield, the pilot selected the landing gear to the down position. Immediately following this action, a distinct smell of burning was noted within the cockpit.
Fearing an active fire or an imminent risk of one, the pilot notified Air Traffic Control of the emergency and adjusted the flight path to facilitate a shortened approach. The aircraft completed a normal touchdown on the runway; however, after rolling approximately 80 metres, the landing gear collapsed. This caused the aircraft to slide along the runway on its belly. Both the pilot and the passenger evacuated the aircraft safely once it came to a halt, with the fire service present at the scene. There were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft following the impact. The aircraft sustained damage to the engine, exhaust, propeller, and the underside of the fuselage.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear collapse was that the landing gear failed to lock in the down position.
- This failure was attributed to an electrical gear motor that had been burnt out.