The pilot reported that he executed a normal approach for landing at the airport in Chicago.
During the approach, he lowered the Piper PA-31’s landing gear and verified the extended position by checking the landing gear position indicators in the cockpit.
Upon touchdown on the runway, the nose landing gear collapsed, and then the right main landing gear collapsed.
The airplane then exited the runway and came to rest upright. The right wing sustained substantial damage.
A post-accident examination of the landing gear system revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: The collapse of the nose and right main landing gears during landing for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the landing gear system revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Identification: CEN15LA147
This February 2015 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I’m just sad for the owner. No matter how much money he has, it was a dreadfully costly fix, no doubt.
A small bit of mud or even congealed grease and dirt on the microswitches can turn the green lights ON. When pre-flighting any airplane don’t just count the ailerons and tires. Check for condition, cleanliness and even see if there is play in the actuator joints. Can you press the drag link at all toward the retract position.
Hydraulic systems operate im sequence as the pressure builds. If a pivot is not greased properly or the bearing is damaged the pressure might build to the point a relief valve opens and the gear stops moving.
If you fly a retractable., try to get a mechanic to show you around when the plane is on jacks during an inspection.
Good information. I check my pa 24 regularly
If a person waits till final approach to extend the landing gear on that type aircraft (hydraulic) you stand a chance of delayed extension speed. So, it be better to extend on downwind giving the transition plenty of time to extend and lock down before crowding the landing time.