On December 28, 2013, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration CC-CMM) operated by Aeroseed was involved in an aviation accident near Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda, Chile during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot forgot to lower the landing gear prior to landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A pilot conducting a positioning flight from Puerto Montt to Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda performed a low pass to assess conditions, then landed with the gear retracted, damaging the aircraft beyond repair. The pilot was uninjured.
Incident Details
On a positioning flight from Puerto Montt to Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda, the pilot departed at 0900 local time. The purpose of the flight was to pick up five passengers. Upon approaching the destination, the pilot decided to execute a low pass to assess the landing conditions and the wind component. Shortly after completing the low pass, the aircraft landed on its belly, sliding for a few dozen meters before coming to rest in a grassy area. The pilot was uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to lower the landing gear prior to landing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Dec 2013 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda, Chile?
A pilot conducting a positioning flight from Puerto Montt to Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda performed a low pass to assess conditions, then landed with the gear retracted, damaging the aircraft beyond repair. The pilot was uninjured.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Dec 2013 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Dec 2013 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration CC-CMM, operated by Aeroseed, at Port Raúl Marín Balmaceda, Chile.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot forgot to lower the landing gear prior to landing.
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