Incident Overview
On 23 March 2011, at 1050 UTC, a Piper PA-28R-180 Cherokee Arrow (registration G-AVYT) experienced a landing gear malfunction during a private flight at Sturgate Airfield, Lincolnshire. The sole pilot, a 40-year-old private pilot with 298 total flying hours (28 on type), was uninjured. The aircraft sustained abrasion to the propeller tips and lower surface, and the engine was shock-loaded.
Flight Sequence
The pilot had completed two uneventful touch-and-go circuits at Gamston Airfield before proceeding to Sturgate to perform additional circuits and a landing for fuel. While on downwind for Runway 27 at Sturgate, the pilot believed that the landing gear had been selected down and that the three green landing gear down indicator lights were illuminated.
Landing and Damage
The approach appeared normal, but the aircraft touched down with the landing gear partially retracted. Damage evidence indicated that the landing gear began to extend late during the flare. The aircraft was subsequently raised on jacks, and the landing gear was selected down; all three legs engaged in the down locks, and the green indicator lights illuminated.
Aircraft System Details
The PA-28R is equipped with a backup gear extender that automatically lowers the landing gear when airspeed drops below 95 kt and engine power is reduced to idle. However, this system had been inhibited on G-AVYT.
Cause
The investigation did not assign a probable cause.