Summary
On 28 June 2013, a Piper PA31-350 Navajo Chieftan, registration VQ-TAC, operated on a commercial air transport non-revenue flight, was forced to execute a wheels-up landing at JAGS McCartney International Airport, Turks and Caicos Islands. The aircraft had two crew and no passengers on board; both crew reported no injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to propeller blades and underside fuselage skin.
History of the Flight
The flight originated from Grand Turk to Providenciales. Upon arrival, the pilot noticed an oily substance on the left inboard flap. An inspection revealed that the left main landing gear (MLG) oleo strut was leaking oil. After consulting with his employer, the pilot was advised to ferry the aircraft back to base for rectification. The aircraft was flown back to Grand Turk without passengers. The return journey was normal until the pilot selected landing gear DOWN on approach; only the nose landing gear indicated down and locked. He discontinued the approach and climbed away to investigate, concluding that the two main landing gears were not extending. A flypast of the control tower confirmed that only the nose landing gear appeared to be extended.
The pilot declared an emergency and committed to a wheels-up landing. He raised the nose landing gear and feathered both engines on final approach, closing the firewall fuel valves and selecting fuel off. The landing was successful and there was no fire.
Examination and Findings
Subsequent examination confirmed the pilot's initial suspicions. Due to the leaking oleo, the left MLG leg had not extended fully when it entered the bay. The torque link fouled the side of the bay, mechanically jamming and preventing the leg from extending. The cause of the leak was traced to a twisted and broken O-ring seal on the bottom bearing, which had prevented free movement of the piston.