Synopsis
On 3 October 2025, at 18:51 UTC (13:51 local time), a Piper PA-34 200T Seneca, registration HK4785, operated as a special air work air ambulance flight, experienced an unexpected retraction of the nose landing gear after landing at Vanguardia Airport in Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia. The aircraft had been on a hospital transfer mission from SKNA to SKVV, with an intermediate stop at La Macarena to embark a patient and medical personnel.
Flight Sequence
The flight proceeded without incident until landing. After touchdown on runway 05, during the deceleration phase with weight on wheels and all landing gear fully extended, the nose gear retracted without any warning, sound, or indication near taxiway Charlie. The nose section and both engines contacted the runway surface. The pilot executed an emergency engine shutdown procedure, and the aircraft slid approximately 100 meters before coming to a complete stop.
Evacuation and Post-Accident Actions
The two pilots and four occupants evacuated the aircraft without assistance. Airport firefighters and ramp inspectors arrived promptly and secured the area. Subsequently, the aircraft was moved to the operator's hangar without prior notification to the Colombian accident investigation authority (DIACC). Once informed, the DIACC dispatched an investigation team to initiate the official process. Notification was also sent to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as the state of design and manufacture.
Damage and Evidence Collection
Structural damage was found in the nose section due to impact with the runway. Both propellers struck the ground, causing sudden stoppage of engines 1 and 2, and damage to engine mount structures. Investigators collected evidence from the runway, including touchdown measurements, impact samples, and foreign object debris (FOD). On the aircraft, the entire nose landing gear system and forward structure were examined. The nose gear system was disassembled for detailed analysis.
Pending Investigation Tasks
As of the preliminary report date, several tasks remain: analysis of airport security camera video, review of aeronautical communications, meteorological analysis, inspection of recovered components, hydraulic fluid analysis from the nose gear system, and review of aircraft, maintenance, operations, safety management system, and risk management information.
Operational Safety Recommendations
No immediate safety recommendations were issued.