During an instructional flight in a Cessna 172RG in Kent, Wash., the CFI asked the student pilot, a commercial rated pilot in the right seat, to demonstrate a simulated emergency engine-out landin
The student reduced the throttle to idle, turned toward the runway, and completed the GUMPS (gas, undercarriage, mixture, propeller, seat belt and switches) checklist. The student announced that he would not lower the landing gear and flaps until the runway was assured.
Once established on centerline, a final check was not completed, and the student made a gear-up landing. The lower fuselage was substantially damaged.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the failure of the CFI and student pilot to complete the landing checklist, resulting in a gear-up landing.
NTSB Identification: WPR13CA369
This August 2013 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
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“… turned toward the runway, and completed the GUMPS (gas, undercarriage, mixture, propeller, seat belt and switches) checklist.”
No he didn’t. If he left the gear up until the runway was assured, the checklist was NOT completed. A checklist is not complete until ALL items are checked in their proper position for the situation.
“Seatbelt and Switches”? I was taught “S” for SPEED, as in airspeed so as not to stall. Then on final, the mantra my instructor would chant, almost, was “runway alignment, airspeed”. I still hear him saying that, 36 years and 22,000 hours later. Still use it, too.
Different strokes, I guess.