Aircraft: Piper Comanche. Injuries: None. Location: Lake Tahoe, Calif. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot aborted a landing due to traffic on the active runway. As part of the go-around he retracted the landing gear.
On the second approach he opted to carry extra power because of gusty wind conditions, and during the landing flare, he realized he had failed to extend the landing gear.
He added full power to go around again, but it was not quick enough to keep the airplane from settling on the runway.
He stated that on the second approach he did not follow the checklist nor did he hear the landing gear warning horn during his approach.
When informed that the throttle position to activate the landing gear warning horn was only about 1/2 inch forward of the full aft idle position, the pilot indicated that he had not retarded the throttle that far.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to ensure that the landing gear was extended before landing.
NTSB Identification: WPR13CA021
This October 2012 accident report is are provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
G-willickers
Seriously, I have seen this happen more than once (not me …. yet). It happens when pilots ‘break their routine’, such as when making multiple simulated instrument approaches (gear up after each one) and then decide to land on a different runway … or on the same runway. And an Instructor will be on board.
Gas, UNDERCARRIAGE, Mixture, Prop … always on final, and it’s a good idea to touch each one and you say it.
Gosh, “GUMP” gone – goofed greatly – get going!.