Accident
On 1 January 2016 at 1625 UTC, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration G-EEJE, serial number 31-825, year of manufacture 1972) experienced a landing gear malfunction during approach to Fadmoor Airfield in Yorkshire. The aircraft was on a private flight from Sturgate Airfield to uplift fuel. The pilot, the sole occupant, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 9,286 flying hours, including 500 hours on type.
History of the Flight
While in the circuit to land, the pilot selected the landing gear down. Only the nosewheel green ‘down-locked’ light illuminated; the red gear not locked light remained on and the warning horn sounded continuously. Several attempts to recycle the landing gear were unsuccessful as the selector lever would not move out of the neutral position. Emergency extension procedures also failed. The pilot contacted the airfield owner to discuss preparations for a landing with the main gear retracted and the nosewheel extended. The subsequent emergency landing was successfully executed on the grass runway. Before touchdown, the pilot feathered both propellers and placed the mixtures in idle cut-off. Minimal damage was incurred.
Examination of the Aircraft
After the accident, G-EEJE was recovered by lifting the fuselage using a farm vehicle and two slings. The main wheels were found fully retracted with the doors closed and undamaged. When the gear selector was placed in the down position, it moved without difficulty, and using the emergency hand pump, the main gear could be lowered and locked normally. The aircraft was then towed off the runway. No formal diagnostic work had been carried out at the time of the report. The aircraft’s maintainers, who have considerable experience with the Navajo type, advised they had never encountered similar circumstances.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained damage to one propeller blade and the lower aft fuselage.