What happened
On December 11, 2014, a Piper PA-32R-301, registration PR-RSR, was performing a private flight between two aerodromes in Sorriso, Mato Grosso. The aircraft departed from Aeródromo da Fazenda Anastácia I (SSQI) heading toward Aeródromo da Fazenda Nova Jerusalém (SSAC) for refueling purposes with two crew members on board.
During the landing roll on runway 26 at SSAC, the pilot lowered the aircraft's nose, at which point it was discovered that the nose landing gear was not locked in the down position. This caused the propeller blade tips to strike the runway surface. Although the pilot used pitch control to briefly lift the nose and avoid further contact, the reduction in speed caused the propeller to strike the pavement again. During the deceleration, the main landing gear unexpectedly retracted, and the aircraft drifted toward the left side of the runway before coming to a complete stop. The two crew members were uninjured, though the aircraft sustained light damage.
The investigation
The investigation by SERIPA VI examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the crew's credentials. It was established that while both the pilot and co-pilot held valid multi-engine land (MLTE) ratings, the pilot was operating with an expired medical certificate (CMA). The aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, and meteorological conditions were favorable for visual flight.
Investigators noted that the operator moved the aircraft and adjusted the landing gear to the down position before the investigation authorities were notified. This post-occurrence intervention prevented a definitive analysis of the excessive play found in the nose gear shimmy damper and left the cause of the unexpected retraction of the main landing gear undetermined.
Findings
- The nose landing gear failed to remain locked in the down position during the landing roll.
- The propeller blades made contact with the runway surface.
- The main landing gear retracted unexpectedly before the aircraft reached a full stop.
- The pilot was operating with an expired medical certificate.