What happened
On July 31, 2018, at approximately 4:02 pm local time, a Piper PA32R-301, registration N8355H, was performing a private general aviation flight when it experienced a significant mechanical failure during its approach to Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Prior to arrival, the pilot notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) regarding a failing battery. As the electrical issue progressed, the aircraft's battery eventually failed completely. This loss of electrical power prevented the landing gear from being deployed. Despite the pilot's attempts to utilize both normal and emergency gear extension procedures, the gear remained retracted. The pilot proceeded with a forced landing configuration, which resulted in the aircraft exiting the runway at Runway 09. There were no injuries to the crew during the event, though the aircraft sustained extensive damage.
The investigation
The AAID conducted a field investigation into the incident. The inquiry focused on the sequence of electrical failures and the effectiveness of the emergency gear extension methods. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions at the airport were within visual meteorological limits at the time of the occurrence.