Incident Summary
Following takeoff from Lago Argentino Airport, the flight crew observed a red warning light on the cockpit panel indicating that the left main landing gear had not fully retracted. After conducting a visual inspection and confirming that the left main gear was securely stowed in its wheel well, the crew decided to continue the flight to Río Gallegos.
Sequence of Events
During the approach to Río Gallegos, the left main landing gear failed to deploy. The crew attempted to extend the gear manually but was unsuccessful. In response, the pilot raised the other landing gear and prepared for a belly landing. On short final, just before the flare, both engines were shut down and their propellers were feathered. The aircraft contacted the runway on its belly, slid for several dozen metres, and came to rest.
Casualties and Damage
All seven occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was declared beyond economical repair.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the belly landing was necessitated by the inability to extend the left main gear. The root cause was a deformation and fracture of the brace support within the gear's extension system. Contributing factors included a previous incident involving the left main gear, marginal weather conditions (rainfall and unfavorable wind), the crew initiating the flight with known deficiencies, and inappropriate maintenance and technical controls.