Pilots land gear up during lesson

The flight instructor was providing multi-engine instruction to a private pilot who held a single engine airplane rating; the Beech 76 had retractable landing gear.

During the pilot’s first simulated engine failure, single-engine approach to land, he did not extend the landing gear, and the flight instructor did not verify that the landing gear was extended.

During the approach to the airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, both pilots heard the landing gear warning horn, but disregarded it because of the nature of the maneuver.

The airplane touched down on the runway with the landing gear retracted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage.

According to the Airplane Flying Handbook, page 1-6 Use of Checklist: The importance of consistent use of checklists cannot be overstated in pilot training. A major objective in primary flight training is to establish habit patterns that will serve pilots well throughout their entire flying career. The flight instructor must promote a positive attitude toward the use of checklists, and the student pilot must realize its importance.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear and the flight instructor’s failure to ensure that the landing gear was extended during landing. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s and the instructor’s improper use of checklist.

NTSB Identification: GAA18CA171

This March 2018 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.