Event Summary
On 28 July 2023 at 11:57 UTC, a Piper PA-42-1000 twin-turboprop aircraft, registration YV1699, departed Barcelona (SVBC) bound for Maiquetía (SVMI) with five people on board (one pilot and four passengers). During final approach to Maiquetía, the pilot selected landing gear and received an indication of two green lights and one red light, indicating the nose gear was not locked down. The pilot executed a go-around and attempted the emergency extension procedure from the Quick Reference Handbook, which did not resolve the issue. The pilot then decided to return to Barcelona, the aircraft's base of operations. Upon arrival, a low pass was performed for air traffic control to visually inspect the gear; the controller reported the nose gear remained retracted.
Landing and Aftermath
The pilot shut down both engines as a precaution and completed the landing. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, primarily to the nose section, pitot tube area, and propeller blades from the nose gear collapse. All occupants were uninjured.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper Aircraft Corporation model PA-42-1000, serial 42-5527009, owned by Aeroman Transporte, C.A. It was a twin-engine turboprop with retractable tricycle landing gear, powered by two Garrett TPE331-14 engines. The aircraft held valid airworthiness and registration certificates. The last scheduled maintenance was performed by OMAC-N 651 Aeronautica Prespuntar at Barcelona.
Investigation Findings
The Junta Investigadora de Accidentes (JIA) conducted interviews, photographic documentation, and technical inspections. A hydraulic system test revealed a leak in the left main landing gear actuator (P/N WTC 2228-1, S/N WTC-167). Nondestructive testing using fluorescent liquid penetrant detected a 130-millimeter longitudinal discontinuity adjacent to a weld on that actuator. A subsequent emergency extension system pressurization test found no additional faults. Weather conditions at the time were reported as winds calm, visibility unlimited, and generally good weather.
Status
The investigation remains ongoing. Preliminary recommendations have been issued to the maintenance organization regarding inspection intervals for landing gear actuators.