Synopsis
On 30 May 2004 at 16:14 local time, a Piper PA-24-250 Comanche, registration HB-OVR, operated by a private pilot, landed at Kerkyra Airport (LGKR) in Greece without its landing gear extended. The aircraft contacted the runway with the underside of its fuselage and slid approximately 260 meters before stopping on the runway, 14 meters to the right of the centerline. The aircraft sustained minor damage including propeller blade deformations, skin abrasions, and engine cowling distortion. The three occupants were not injured. The runway was closed for about 13.5 hours while the aircraft was removed.
Flight History
The aircraft departed Bex, Switzerland on 29 May 2004 at 11:20 with the pilot and his parents as passengers, intending to fly to Mykonos, Greece. After stops in Sion, Switzerland and Propriano, Corsica (France) due to weather, the flight continued on 30 May towards Kerkyra for refueling. Entering Athens FIR at waypoint TIGRA at flight level 75, the aircraft descended following published arrival procedures. The pilot reported at 1000 feet and was instructed to fly a left downwind for runway 17, then later requested and was cleared for runway 35. The landing was executed at 16:14 without the landing gear extended.
Investigation
The Hellenic Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Board (EDAAP) investigated the accident. Inspection revealed that the landing gear retraction mechanism initially showed a malfunction during testing: the circuit breaker tripped during retraction attempts, but functioned normally after removing the access panel. The required power for gear operation measured within manufacturer specifications. No pre-existing mechanical failure was found.
Conclusion
The investigation concluded that the accident occurred because the pilot did not extend the landing gear before landing.