Incident Overview
On April 2, 2021, at 11:55 local time (17:55 UTC), a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II aircraft, registration TI-API, operated by Carmon Air Charter Limitada, was preparing for takeoff on Runway 12 at Tambor Airport (MRTR) in Cóbano, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica. The flight was destined for Tobías Bolaños Palma International Airport (MRPV). According to the captain's statement, after completing the pre-takeoff checks and performing a full-stop takeoff, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the left wing to drop. The aircraft sustained damage to the left main landing gear, left propeller blades, and dents to the left wing flap. The incident occurred during daylight in visual meteorological conditions (VFR).
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, a 51-year-old male holding a commercial pilot license, and the single passenger on board were uninjured. The aircraft suffered minor damage, including a fractured left main landing gear, damage to the left engine propeller blades, and dents on the left wing flap. Additional evidence included propeller marks and fluid spills on the runway.
Investigation Status
The investigation is being conducted by the Accident Investigation Authority (AIA) of Costa Rica. The left main landing gear component that fractured has been secured for analysis. As of the provisional report dated April 2, 2022, the investigation is 85% complete, pending a technical laboratory test by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on the fractured landing gear part. The investigation has experienced delays due to the operator's late delivery of parts and administrative issues regarding packaging and air transport. Once the NTSB analysis is received, the investigator-in-charge will finalize the report, which will then undergo language editing and translation. The case remains under investigation.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The aircraft is a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, a twin-engine light aircraft powered by two Continental Motors engines: an TSIO360-KB (engine #1) and an LTSIO360-K (engine #2). The operator, Carmon Air Charter Limitada, was conducting a commercial flight operation at the time.