Accident Overview
On 20 May 2016, at 1826 UTC, a Piper PA-28RT-201T Turbo Cherokee Arrow IV, registration G-LZZY, sustained a landing gear collapse while landing at Shoreham Airport, West Sussex. The aircraft was on a private flight with only the pilot on board. The pilot reported no injuries, and damage was confined to the right main landing gear door and right flap.
Flight and Landing Gear Malfunction
On approach, the pilot selected the landing gear down. Green lights illuminated for the nose and left main landing gear, indicating they were locked down, but the green light for the right main landing gear did not illuminate. The pilot requested a visual inspection from the ground. After inspection, he was informed that the landing gear “appeared ok.”
Emergency Procedures
Air traffic control initiated a full emergency, and the pilot held to the west of the airport while the airport’s Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) deployed. During this holding period, the pilot recycled the landing gear and completed the ‘Emergency Landing Gear Extension’ checklist, which included lowering the gear using the backup gear extender. He also swapped the bulb in the right main landing gear indicator with a known working bulb, but the indicator remained unlit.
Landing and Collapse
Once the RFFS were in place, the pilot made an approach to Runway 25. After touchdown, he stopped the engine, but as the aircraft settled, the right main landing gear collapsed. The pilot, uninjured, turned off the fuel and electrics and vacated the aircraft.
Cause Attributed by Pilot
The pilot attributed the accident to the right main landing gear downlock failing to engage.