Summary
On 12 February 2021, at 13:45 local time (18:45 UTC), a Piper PA 34-220T Seneca, registration HK2713, operating as an air ambulance from Leticia to Bogotá, Colombia, suffered a left main landing gear retraction during the landing roll at Flaminio Suarez Guaymaral Airport (SKGY). The aircraft veered off the runway and came to rest in the safety zone. All six occupants—pilot, copilot, doctor, paramedic, patient, and companion—evacuated without injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Flight History
The flight departed Leticia at 09:35 local time with no reported anomalies. During the approach to Guaymaral, the crew noted that the left main gear indicator light did not illuminate. They performed a go-around and a traffic pattern to troubleshoot. After obtaining three green lights and visual confirmation that the landing gear was extended, they landed on runway 11. Approximately 100 meters past the touchdown point, at an indicated airspeed of 40 knots, the left main gear retracted. The aircraft tilted left and the pilot attempted to maintain directional control, but the aircraft deviated 40 degrees from the runway centerline. The crew shut down the engines as the aircraft exited the runway, stopping in the safety zone. Emergency services responded and assisted the occupants.
Aircraft and Damage
The aircraft, a Piper PA 34-220T Seneca (serial number not specified in report), sustained significant damage. Inspection revealed damage to the left aileron and flap, left horizontal stabilizer tip, left propeller blades, left engine mounts, left lower engine cowling, left main gear doors, and left main gear well. The left engine experienced a sudden stoppage.
Investigation Findings
The investigation by the Colombian Aeronautical Accident Investigation Directorate (DIACC) determined that the left main landing gear retracted during the deceleration roll due to jamming of the moving safety parts. Specifically, the retraction arm bolts (part numbers NAS464P6-18 and NAS464P6-20) became stiff, likely from increased clearances in the rod system or accumulation of grease, dust, or dirt. The investigation also identified that the operator's maintenance processes were deficient, failing to detect the gradual loss of adjustment and mobility of these components during inspections.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was the retraction of the left main landing gear and runway excursion during the landing deceleration roll, originating from the jamming of the moving safety parts of the left landing gear (retraction arm bolts P/N NAS464P6-18 and P/N NAS464P6-20), stiffness produced by increased clearances in the rod system, and/or accumulation of grease, dust, or dirt on those components.