Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, G-BTGV, 7 March 2011

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 December 2014

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 7 March 2011
• Aircraft type: Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II
• Location: Gloucestershire Airport, Cheltenham
• Registration: G-BTGV

Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, G-BTGV

Summary:

During circuits at Gloucestershire Airport, the aircraft landed in what was described as a “slightly flat and firm” touchdown, following which the nose landing gear immediately retracted. The nose dropped, causing the propellers to contact the runway surface, and the aircraft subsequently came to a halt further down the runway; neither occupant was injured. The retraction may have occurred as a result of a slight ‘out-of-rig’ condition, although possible damage arising from an earlier heavy landing could not be ruled out. However, the PA-34 series of aircraft has a history of nose landing gear collapses, with no single cause having being identified, although there are a number of potential contributory factors. The aircraft manufacturer has introduced a number of measures, including a Service Bulletin, which has served to reduce the rate of this type of occurrence.

Download report:

Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, G-BTGV 07-11.pdf (483.02 kb)

Published 10 December 2014