Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary SEA03LA079

Boise, ID, USA

Aircraft #1

N711BG

Cessna P210N

Analysis

On the second of two practice instrument approaches the aircraft was cleared for a touch and go landing. The pilot said he was still in a "instrument approach mindset", did not perform the Before Landing checklist, and failed to lower the landing gear. The pilot also said he didn't hear the landing gear warning horn, and that he didn't even know the aircraft had one. Subsequent examination of the landing gear warning horn system indicated there were no anomalies with the system which would have prevented normal operation. The aircraft landed wheels up and slid to a stop, coming to rest in an upright position.

Factual Information

On May 10, 2003, at 1015 mountain daylight time, a Cessna P210N, N711BG, sustained substantial damage during a gear up landing on runway 10R at the Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight, which was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, departed Boise at 0940. According to the Pilot/Operator Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that he had made two practice instrument approaches, and "at the last minute on the second approach I was cleared for a touch-and-go. The best way I can describe it, I was still in an 'instrument approach mindset' and failed to lower the gear." The pilot stated that he landed gear up on runway 10R and skidded to a stop. There was no post-crash fire. In a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, when asked if he had heard the landing gear warning horn prior to contacting the runway, the pilot replied, "I didn't even know there was one." The pilot also stated he did not perform the Before Landing checklist. An FAA inspector, who surveyed the aircraft damage, reported substantial damage to three stringers on the underside of the airplane, as well as skin damage to the belly of the airplane. The inspector also confirmed that upon further examination of the aircraft, the landing gear warning horn worked properly when tested.

Probable Cause and Findings

The landing gear extension was not performed by the pilot for landing. Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to perform the Before Landing checklist and his unfamiliarity with the landing gear warning horn system.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports