On December 10, 1987, an Embraer EMB 120 (registration N232AS) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew's neglect to extend the landing gear during a single-engine no-flap approach demonstration. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a training flight, the crew neglected to extend the landing gear while performing a single-engine no-flap approach demonstration, resulting in an upwind touchdown and slide on runway 18.
What happened
The aircraft was conducting a routine training session when the crew decided to perform specific maneuver demonstrations. After completing approximately two hours of flight time, the first officer requested a demonstration involving a single-engine approach without flaps. During this complex procedure, both pilots failed to extend the landing gear before touchdown. The aircraft contacted the runway surface with its wheels retracted, sliding along the pavement before coming to a halt.
The investigation
The primary finding from the factual narrative is that the crew neglected to lower the landing gear during the demonstration phase of the flight. No mechanical failure or external factor was cited as the cause; the event was attributed entirely to the omission of a critical checklist item during the approach.
Findings
The incident highlights a breakdown in crew resource management and checklist adherence during a high-workload maneuver. The failure to extend the landing gear occurred despite the crew's awareness of the procedure, indicating a lapse in situational awareness or procedural discipline rather than a lack of knowledge.
Probable cause
The crew's neglect to extend the landing gear during a single-engine no-flap approach demonstration.