AAIB investigation to Siai Marchetti S.205 22/R (Modified), G-VELA
Landing gear failed to extend due to a technical malfunction, Norwich Airport, Norfolk, 27 April 2025
As the aircraft was on approach to Knettishall Airfield the landing gear failed to extend. Both the normal and emergency extension and retraction systems had malfunctioned. After discussion with his passenger, the pilot decided that it was prudent to divert to Norwich Airport with its higher level of emergency facilities. He carried out a fly past and the control tower staff at Norwich observed that the landing gear appeared not to have extended correctly. The pilot landed the aircraft in this condition and the aircraft sustained damage to its underside and propeller. The pilot and his passenger were uninjured.
The landing gear malfunction was caused by a steering centring pin which had become worn, misaligned and disengaged from its guide bars. The nosewheel did not centre as a result, and this caused the nose gear to jam on retraction into the nosewheel bay. This led to an overload of the normal landing gear extension and retraction system motor and emergency system seizure.
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