Accident Overview
On 13 September 2020, at 1630 UTC, a Piper PA-24-180 Comanche, registration N5839P, was involved in an accident at Compton Abbas Airfield, Dorset. The aircraft was on a private flight with one pilot and one passenger. Neither occupant was injured. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine, exhaust, and underside of the fuselage.
Flight Sequence
The pilot was positioning the aircraft via an overhead join for an approach to land on Runway 26. When the landing gear was selected down, a sudden smell of burning became apparent. Believing there was a fire or an imminent risk of fire, the pilot immediately made an emergency call to air traffic control and positioned the aircraft for a shortened approach.
Landing and Gear Collapse
The aircraft touched down normally and rolled on its landing gear for approximately 80 meters before the landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to slide along on its belly. After the aircraft came to a halt, the occupants vacated the aircraft with the fire service in attendance.
Pilot Actions
Upon noticing the burning smell, the pilot ensured he was positioned to land as soon as possible, informed ATC of the emergency, and requested the fire truck to attend. Following the landing, both the pilot and passenger evacuated the aircraft as quickly as they could.
Initial Enquiries
Initial enquiries suggested that the landing gear failed to lock down due to a burnt-out electrical gear motor. No further details were provided in the report.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a 1959 Piper PA-24-180 Comanche with a single Lycoming O-360-A1A engine. The pilot, aged 59, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 214 total flying hours, including 117 hours on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 12 hours, and in the last 28 days, 5 hours.