What happened
On September 6, 2017, at approximately 16:20 local time, a Piper PA-34-200T, registration OB-1926-P, was performing a multi-engine training flight at Lib Mandi Aerodrome (SPLX), Peru. The flight was operated by the flight training organization Master of the Sky. The crew, consisting of a student pilot and an instructor, had completed several training circuits, including a single-engine approach.
During the final landing on runway 32, the aircraft made a normal touchdown slightly beyond the aiming point. As the aircraft continued its landing roll and the crew prepared to apply braking, the nose gear suddenly retracted. This caused the nose of the aircraft to collapse onto the runway, leading to a significant propeller strike on both engines. The aircraft slid approximately 250 meters toward the left side of the runway before coming to a stop. The crew successfully shut down the engines and evacuated the aircraft without injuries.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear and the maintenance history of the aircraft. Investigators examined the nose gear assembly and the structural integrity of the attachment points. The investigation also reviewed the maintenance records regarding compliance with Airworthiness Directives (AD 2005-13-16) and Service Bulletins (SB 1123C).
Technical analysis revealed that while the aircraft was documented as airworthy, certain maintenance tasks required by the Service Bulletin—specifically the recording and evaluation of wear in bushings and holes—had not been fully implemented. The investigation also noted discrepancies in the flight school's training manuals regarding standardized traffic patterns and stabilized approach procedures at the aerodrome.