AAIB investigation to Piper PA-24 Comanche, D-EKKE

Landing gear collapse on landing, Solent Airport, Hampshire, 14 March 2025

After a short local flight, D-EKKE was on approach to Runway 05 at Solent Airport when the landing gear light did not illuminate when the gear was selected DOWN. After several attempts to lower the landing gear normally, the pilot used the emergency procedure and the control tower visually confirmed the landing gear was down. The pilot recalls hearing the gear lock on extension and so continued with a normal landing. The aircraft touched down but during the latter stage of the landing roll the landing gear slowly collapsed and the aircraft slid on its underside for approximately 100 m. The pilot and passenger exited the aircraft unaided and without injury.

Download the report:

Download glossary of abbreviations:

Updates to this page

Published 14 August 2025