What happened
On November 8, 2001, a Piper PA-34-200T, registration OB-1564, was parked on the TRAPSA ramp at the Tarapoto airport in the San Martin province. Following a completed pre-flight inspection, the pilot started and warmed up the engines. The crew then began taxiing the aircraft under its own power toward a refueling area.
As the aircraft moved approximately two meters, the left main landing gear (MLG) collapsed. This caused the aircraft to tilt heavily to the left. Because the engines were running, the left propeller struck the ground, causing significant damage to the propeller blades and resulting in a sudden engine stoppage and internal engine damage. Additionally, the pitot tube became embedded in the ground, damaging the pitot-static system.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the cause of the left main landing gear failure during the taxi phase of operation. Investigators examined the surface conditions of the TRAPSA ramp, which was being used as a parking area. The investigation established that the area used for parking was originally a soccer field and was not a suitable surface for the temporary or permanent parking of aircraft.
Findings
- The left main landing gear collapse was likely caused by the poor condition of the ramp surface.
- The uneven and unsuitable terrain of the soccer field likely caused the left main landing gear lock to disengage while the aircraft was taxiing and maneuvering.
- The impact of the propeller with the ground led to engine and propeller damage on the left side.