The flight instructor reported that the pilot receiving instruction performed a simulated single-engine approach. He wanted to be able to communicate more easily with the pilot, so he set the simulated failed engine to 15 inches of mercury manifold pressure since the landing gear warning horn will sound if the manifold pressure is set below 14 inches of mercury.
He added that he did not verify the gear was down and locked with the three green extended lights illuminated.
He reported that, just before landing at the airport in San Diego, he heard the landing gear warning horn but attributed it to the stall warning horn.
The pilot receiving instruction reported that he did not recall hearing any audible alarm.
The Piper PA-34 landed with the gear retracted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both the wings.
Probable cause: The pilot receiving instruction and flight instructor’s failure to properly configure the landing gear before landing, which resulted in landing with the landing gear retracted.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA207
This April 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.
Taking an instructional flight or a check ride with a CFI and not using a checklist is fodder for a “bust”. What the hell happened here?
Poor instruction and a student that should start from scrath with someone else…
Henry has the big picture