On August 23, 1989, a Piper PA-44-180 (registration N8517D) operated by First Coast Flight Center, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near ST Augustine, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADVERTENT RETRACTION OF THE LANDING GEAR, AND THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a training flight, a Piper PA-44 landed with the landing gear reportedly down. However, the aircraft settled onto the runway and stopped with the gear retracted. The warning horn did not activate. Post-accident checks found the gear and warning system operated normally.
Introduction
On an unspecified date, a Piper PA-44 aircraft was involved in a landing incident. The flight was being conducted by a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot.
Sequence of Events
Both the CFI and the student pilot reported that the landing gear was extended to the down and locked position while the aircraft was in the traffic pattern. Additionally, a pilot in another aircraft flying behind the PA-44 noted that the landing gear was extended. However, during the landing, the aircraft settled onto the runway and subsequently stopped with the gear retracted. The CFI reported that there was no warning horn or warning lights during the approach.
Post-Accident Examination
After the aircraft was raised from the runway, the warning horn was tested and operated normally. Additionally, a retraction test was performed, during which the landing gear operated normally.