Incident Overview
On a day in 2025 at 20:26 UTC, a Piper PA-34-200T, registration YV2007, departed from Aeropuerto Metropolitano (SVMP) in Ocumare, Miranda state, bound for Aeropuerto Internacional Oscar Machado Zuloaga (SVCS) in Miranda state. The sole occupant was the pilot. The flight proceeded normally during initial climb and en route.
Approach and Malfunction
Near the destination, the pilot requested Tuy approach control for a PBN approach to runway 10 of Caracas airport under visual conditions. At that time, the pilot noticed inadequate performance and checked the aircraft's parameters. He observed that the nose landing gear was down, even though the gear lever was in the UP position. Inspection revealed that the landing gear circuit breaker had tripped.
Return and Landing
The pilot informed Tuy approach of the situation, stated he was not declaring an emergency, and decided to return to the departure airport. After contacting the tower at Aeropuerto Metropolitano, he applied the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures and manually extended the landing gear to ensure it was fully down. He then requested a low pass in front of the tower for a visual confirmation from the controller, who confirmed the gear was down. The pilot performed a left-hand pattern and landed without further incident. The pilot was uninjured and the aircraft sustained no damage.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a twin-engine, retractable tricycle landing gear landplane powered by two Teledyne Continental TSIO-360RB engines. It was manufactured by Piper Aircraft Corporation. At the time of the incident, the aircraft held a valid airworthiness certificate and maintenance records were in order. The last scheduled maintenance was performed by OMAC N° 665 OROLOGIO AVIATION, C.A. at Aeropuerto Metropolitano.
The pilot, aged 56, held a valid medical certificate (expiring 9 December 2025) and a Private Pilot License issued by the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Authority (INAC) with instrument, single-engine land, and multi-engine land ratings.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather at the time was reported as wind 5 to 10 knots, visibility unlimited, and generally good conditions throughout the day.
Investigation Findings
The accident investigation board (JIAAC) conducted interviews, reviewed documents, and inspected the landing gear system. The inspection revealed that a foreign object (described as a "sócate") was in contact with the electrical system of the gear selector lever, causing the circuit breaker to trip as a protective measure. After the necessary adjustments, the gear lever functioned normally for both extension and retraction.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was the contact of a foreign object with the electrical system of the landing gear selector lever, which caused the circuit breaker to activate as a protective measure.