Landing gear failure during approach to Puerto Montt

No fatalities • Puerto Montt-Marcel Marchant (La Paloma), Chile • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a belly landing at Puerto Montt-Marcel Marchant Airport after the pilot failed to extend the landing gear.

What happened

On a flight from Santiago-Eulogio Sánchez Errázuriz-Tobalaba Airport to Puerto Montt, a twin-engine aircraft departed at 18:15 local time. The flight was operated with a crew of one pilot and seven passengers on board.

During the final approach to runway 19 at Puerto Montt-Marcel March and Airport, the aircraft failed to deploy its landing gear. As a result, the plane performed a belly landing on the runway. The aircraft slid for several dozen meters before coming to a complete stop on the main runway.

Despite the impact, there were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported among the eight people on board. However, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident indicate that the pilot's attention was diverted by the GPS during the approach phase. This distraction led to the failure to lower the landing gear prior to touchdown.

Probable cause

The pilot's preoccupation with the GPS navigation system during the approach resulted in the omission of the landing gear extension.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-01-19 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident near Puerto Montt-Marcel Marchant (La Paloma), Chile?

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a belly landing at Puerto Montt-Marcel Marchant Airport after the pilot failed to extend the landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-01-19 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-01-19 involved a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne, registration CC-PLL, operated by Compañía Chilena de Fósforos, at Puerto Montt-Marcel Marchant (La Paloma), Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's preoccupation with the GPS navigation system during the approach resulted in the omission of the landing gear extension.

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