20020323003629I

(-23) On 23 March 2002 at approximately 1 p.m. local time I observed a Piper PA-30 twin comanche laying on its belly on runway 24. Tucson airport authority personnel were already at the aircraft. I contacted Ryan tower via telephone and obtained clearance to respond to the aircraft. I then followed Tucson airport police to the aircraft. The aircraft came to rest on the paved surface of runway 24L to the right of the runway centerline facing approximately 30 degrees left of runway heading, short of taxiway 4. After confirming the occupants were unhurt I gained access to the cockpit to ensure all switches were off. The pilots had removed electrical power and placed the engine controls, electrical switches and fuel selectors in the off position. All circuit breakers were normal except the landing gear motor, which had tripped off. Landing gear lever was observed in the down position and landing gear transmission was still engaged. No evidence of fuel or oil leaks noted. Landing gear was partially extended I.e. not in the up and locked position. Main landing gear tires were slightly clear of the gear wells.