What happened
On August 3, 2017, a Beechcraft King Air C90A, registration N314LM, was conducting a private flight from La Aurora International Airport to the San José Aerodrome in the Escuintla Department of Guatemala. The flight was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in favorable weather conditions, characterized by calm winds and unlimited visibility.
During the landing phase at San José, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving the landing gear. The left main gear failed to extend and lock into position, leading to an impact on the runway. Despite the structural damage to the aircraft, the pilot and the single passenger escaped the scene uninjured.
The investigation
The DGAC/UIA investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the maintenance history of the landing gear system. Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the left main wheel was only partially extended from its bay. Notably, the green indicator light for the gear position was extinguished, confirming the gear was not down and locked.
Technical analysis of the aircraft's systems revealed a failure in the hydraulic actuator of the left landing gear. The investigation also reviewed maintenance logs, which noted a pattern of repetitive corrective maintenance regarding the left landing gear, specifically related to the aircraft's hydraulic system. No issues were found regarding the pilot's qualifications, physical condition, or the aircraft's weight and balance for this specific flight.