Flight Summary
On 11 June 2023 at 20:10 UTC, a Piper PA-A-28-200 aircraft, registration LV-LMG, departed from General Viamonte Aerodrome in Los Toldos, Buenos Aires Province, for a recreational flight under general aviation operations. Approximately twenty minutes later, during the landing maneuver, an abnormal contact with the runway occurred. The aircraft traveled about 150 meters before coming to a stop, sustaining substantial damage.
Investigation Findings
The accident was reported to the Junta de Seguridad en el Transporte (JST) five days after the occurrence. Removal and transfer of the aircraft to the aeroclub hangar were carried out by aerodrome personnel.
During an interview, the pilot stated that in the final phase of the approach circuit, the three green indicator lights on the instrument panel—which indicate the landing gear is down and locked—were not illuminated. The pilot deduced that the indicator system had failed and decided to continue the approach. Additionally, the pilot reported that the pre-landing checklist was not performed due to the absence of a copy in the aircraft.
Inspection of the aircraft revealed damage to the fuselage and propeller. The propeller contacted the ground, causing a sudden engine stoppage. Runway examination identified and recorded markings left by the aircraft during landing. No debris was observed in the surrounding area.
The aircraft's airworthiness documentation was current at the time of the accident. During the cockpit inspection, no checklist was found. Section 91.503 of the Argentine Civil Aviation Regulations (RAAC) requires that a cockpit checklist containing specified procedures be accessible at the pilot station for each flight.
Aircraft and Aerodrome Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-A-28-200, owned by Aeroclub General Viamonte. The aerodrome has two runways; the aircraft landed on runway 23, traveling approximately 150 meters in a straight line from the contact point to its final position.
Conclusion
The investigation did not assign a probable cause. Factors related to the accident included the pilot's decision to continue the approach without positive landing gear indication and the lack of an accessible checklist.