Landing gear failure leads to emergency landing at Fadmoor Airfield

Casualties unknown • Fadmoor Airfield, Yorkshire, GB

A Piper PA-31-310 Navajo experienced a partial landing gear extension during an approach to Fadmoor, resulting in an emergency landing on a grass runway.

What happened

On 1 January 2016, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration G-EEJE, was conducting a private flight from Sturgate Airfield to Fadmoor Airfield to collect fuel. While the pilot was in the landing circuit, the command to extend the landing gear was given, but only the nose gear successfully deployed. The cockpit indicators showed a green 'down-locked' light for the nose gear, but the red 'gear not locked' light remained illuminated alongside a continuous warning horn.

The pilot attempted to cycle the landing gear multiple times, but the selector lever became stuck in the neutral position. Even after following the established emergency extension procedures, the main gear failed to extend. After communicating with the airfield owner to coordinate an emergency landing, the pilot executed the landing on the grass runway with the main wheels retracted. The aircraft sustained no injuries to the crew, though there was damage to one propeller blade and the lower aft section of the fuselage.

The investigation

Following the incident, the aircraft was recovered from the airfield using a farm vehicle and slings. Investigators observed that the main wheels were fully retracted and the gear doors were undamaged. During the examination, the gear selector was found to move into the down position without difficulty. Furthermore, the main gear could be successfully lowered and locked using the emergency hand pump.

Findings

  • The pilot attempted to use the emergency extension system, but it was unsuccessful during the flight.
  • The landing gear selector lever became stuck in the neutral position during the approach.
  • No technical reason for the initial malfunction was identified during the physical examination of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the incident was a landing gear malfunction where the main gear failed to extend, despite the emergency procedures being ineffective during the flight; the specific mechanical cause for the selector lever sticking remained unidentified.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-01-01 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Fadmoor Airfield, Yorkshire, GB?

A Piper PA-31-310 Navajo experienced a partial landing gear extension during an approach to Fadmoor, resulting in an emergency landing on a grass runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-01-01 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration G-EEJE , at Fadmoor Airfield, Yorkshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the incident was a landing gear malfunction where the main gear failed to extend, despite the emergency procedures being ineffective during the flight; the specific mechanical cause for the selector lever sticking remained unidentified.

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