What happened
On August 7, 2020, a Piper PA-34-220T, registration HK2713, was operating an air ambulance mission at Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín, Colombia. The aircraft, operated by SAE Servicios Aéreos Especiales, was preparing for departure on runway 02 following a flight from Barranquilla.
After completing the necessary checklists, the crew entered the runway and began a turn to align with the runway centerline. During this maneuver, the nose gear suddenly retracted, causing the nose of the aircraft to drop abruptly. The impact caused both propellers to strike the runway surface, leading to an immediate engine shutdown for both Continental powerplants. The crew successfully executed emergency procedures, shutting down the engines and cutting electrical power, allowing all four occupants—two crew members and two paramedics—to evacuate the aircraft safely without injury. There was no fire or fuel leak following the event.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the mechanical integrity of the landing gear system. While the aircraft's maintenance records indicated that all scheduled services were up to date and no previous malfunctions had been reported, physical examination of the nose gear revealed a structural failure.
Investigators examined the hydraulic and electrical systems, finding no evidence of hydraulic leaks or pressure instability. The investigation also noted that this was the third similar occurrence involving the operator's fleet of aircraft of the same category. The investigation specifically looked at the manufacturer's maintenance instructions regarding the inspection intervals for landing gear components.