What happened
The instructor pilot (CFI) was conducting a biennial flight review for a private pilot who served as the pilot-in-command (PIC). While the aircraft was established in the traffic pattern preparing for its second landing of the session, the crew heard another aircraft entering the same pattern. However, they were unable to visually confirm the location or position of the other aircraft.
The distraction caused by searching for the conflicting traffic led to a critical error during the approach phase. The crew continued their descent and final approach without verifying the landing gear configuration. Consequently, the aircraft touched down on the runway with the landing gear fully retracted, resulting in significant damage to the airframe and landing gear components.
The investigation
Post-acc examination of the aircraft confirmed that the landing gear had not been extended prior to touchdown. The physical evidence indicated substantial structural damage consistent with a belly landing or main gear collapse upon impact with the runway surface. No mechanical failure of the gear extension system was identified as a primary factor; the sequence of events pointed directly to pilot error during a high-workload period.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the crew's loss of situational awareness regarding their own aircraft configuration due to visual distraction. The search for the other aircraft in the traffic pattern diverted attention from standard landing checks. This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining focus on immediate flight tasks and adhering strictly to checklists, even when external distractions are present.
Safety message
Pilots must prioritize the completion of mandatory pre-landing checklists above all other tasks. When distracted by traffic or other environmental factors, pilots should explicitly verify gear position before entering the final approach segment. Vigilance regarding aircraft configuration is essential to prevent similar accidents.