Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II D-GANN Nose Gear Failure at Torino Aeritalia

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 23 June 2007 at 09:20 UTC, a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II with registration D-GANN experienced a nose gear failure while landing at Torino Aeritalia. The aircraft was operated by Turin Flying Institute s.r.l. and owned by Sun Air s.r.l. It was a twin-engine, retractable-gear aircraft with a maximum takeoff mass of 2,073 kg, powered by two 200 hp Continental piston engines. The specific airframe, serial number 34-7570281, had 4,483.46 flight hours, with 1 hour 20 minutes since its last 100-hour inspection. ## Flight Operations and Occupants The aircraft had departed from Torino Caselle for a VFR training flight without a filed flight plan. On board were a 52-year-old Italian flight instructor holding a valid CPL (A) and two student pilots. The mission involved familiarization maneuvers and specific exercises near the lakes of Avigliana, including stalls in various configurations and turns at 30 to 45 degrees of bank. The instructor was seated on the right, with a student on the left. ## Landing Sequence and Impact After completing the initial training phase, the instructor decided to land at Torino Aeritalia to allow the two students to swap seats. The approach was reported as uneventful, with the aircraft in correct landing configuration: flaps down and all three green gear lights illuminated. At 09:20 UTC, the main wheels touched down correctly with a nose-up attitude. However, as the nose lowered, the nose gear failed to make contact with the runway, resulting in the nose and propellers striking the ground. ## Aftermath and Damage The aircraft skidded briefly, veered slightly to the left, and came to rest on the grass beside the runway. All three occupants exited the aircraft unassisted and were uninjured. The instructor reported shutting off electrical systems and closing fuel tanks before leaving. Emergency response was provided by a rescue vehicle and a fire truck from the Aero Club Torino's internal service. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the nose and propellers, with no injuries to personnel. ## Technical Analysis and Probable Cause Post-incident analysis revealed the failure of the support bracket for the nose gear actuator. The nose gear retraction was attributed to the actuator failing to stop, extending beyond its limits and deforming the support bracket. This displaced the drag link hinge from its over-center position, preventing the nose gear leg from locking. Notably, the green 'gear extended and locked' warning light remained illuminated because it was activated by a switch attached to the deformed bracket, which did not change its functional state. The most probable causes for the gear failure were identified as either a hydraulic pump malfunction forcing the actuator against the bracket, or gear extension exceeding permitted speed limits. The pilot and aircraft were properly qualified and certified, and weather conditions were good, having no influence on the event. No specific safety recommendations were issued.