Accident Details
On 27 February 2022 at approximately 07:35 local time (13:35 UTC), a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, registration TI-BFA, operated by Prestige Wings S.A., was completing a commercial charter flight from Tobías Bolaños Palma International Airport (MRPV) to Golfito Aerodrome (MRGF) in Costa Rica. The aircraft, carrying one pilot and one passenger, landed on Runway 31. The landing appeared to proceed normally. After touchdown, the pilot initiated a 180-degree turn on the active runway. During this ground maneuver, the left main landing gear collapsed. The left propeller struck the asphalt, and the left tire detached, causing damage to the left wing flaps.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft was a Piper Seneca II, model PA-34-200T, serial number 34-7870349, manufactured by Piper Aircraft Inc. It was powered by two Continental Motors engines: a left engine model LTSIO-360EB12 (serial 807813-R) and a right engine model LTSIO-360EB21 (serial 826813-R). The propellers were Hartzell models PHC-C3YF-2KUF (serial EB4317A) and PHC-C3YF-2LKUF (serial EB6335B). The pilot, a 44-year-old male holding a commercial pilot license, was the sole crew member. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) in daylight conditions with no rain.
Injuries and Damage
Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained injuries; both exited the aircraft unaided. The aircraft suffered minor damage to the left landing gear, left propeller, left wing, and left flap. No evidence of fire was found before or after the impact. Minor propeller cuts and oil spills were noted on the runway surface.
Investigation
The Technical Council of Civil Aviation (CETAC) through its Aircraft Accident and Incident Unit (UAI-CETAC) is conducting the investigation. A visual inspection of the wreckage was performed, and a sketch of the aircraft's trajectory on the runway was made. The failed left landing gear component is scheduled for laboratory analysis at the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the endemic causes of the fracture. The investigation is approximately 30% complete, with factual information being compiled. Further chapters covering analysis, conclusions, and safety recommendations are pending. The case remains under investigation.