PA-42 Cheyenne IIA
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Total 9800; Flight Crew Type 1400
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
I filed an IFR flight plan in a Cheyenne III I have flown for a private company for many years. In the pattern; I lowered the landing gear handle; I felt the landing gear extend but did not get a green light for the left main and the 'gear not locked' light was illuminated. I abandoned the landing and gained altitude to orbit and run the checklist(s). Using the Emergency Gear Extension Checklist I tried using the hand pump and the blow down systems and could not get a safe indication. I assessed weather; fuel and daylight and decided to fly to another airport; 170 NM away because I felt I needed to burn down fuel to make the aircraft lighter and minimize the fire hazard. I checked NOTAMS and weather at another airport along the way. ATC suggested I fly by the Tower and have them visually inspect the landing gear. They advised me the landing gear appeared down but the inner gear doors were open. I advised them I wanted to go to another airport and land. I arrived in the pattern and a local pilot in a Cirrus offered to have a closer look at the gear and I accepted. He advised me the landing gear appeared extended with the inner doors open. I proceeded with a normal landing. About 500 FT after main wheel touchdown and decelerating through 90 KTS; the left main gear retracted and the left propeller; flap and aileron contacted the runway. When I filed my flight plan; I anticipated a flight student would come with me but they did not. My flight plan was filed showing 2 Souls On Board (SOB) and I did not change it to reflect 1. I should have changed the flight plan to reflect the correct number of SOB.
PA42 pilot reports unsafe left main landing gear during approach and elects to divert to another airport. All attempts at obtaining a safe indication are futile and after a normal landing the left main gear collapses.