Casualties unknown

1990-11-09: Fairchild SA227-AC (N445AC) — Comair, Inc. — Covington, KY

Covington, KY, US

On November 9, 1990, a Fairchild SA227-AC (registration N445AC) operated by Comair, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Covington, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN. CHECKRIDE-INDUCED PRESSURE WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR, AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE CHECK PILOT WAS A FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a checkride intended to reassess pilot competency, the aircraft touched down with the landing gear retracted. The pilot, a check airman, and an FAA inspector were on board. The pilot had difficulty managing airspeed and did not call for the before-landing checklist.

Incident Overview

A pilot, a company check airman, and an FAA inspector were on board an aircraft for a checkride intended to reassess the pilot's competency. A maintenance test involving aileron rigging was to be performed in conjunction with the check ride. The first maneuver scheduled was a no-flap landing.

Pilot Performance

All three pilots reported that the pilot had difficulty managing the aircraft while in the traffic pattern. Airspeeds were too slow, and the pilot was constantly manipulating power. The pilot never called for the before-landing checklist.

Landing Gear Warning

The check pilot stated that the landing gear warning horn came on briefly during the approach. The pilot added power in response, which silenced the horn. The aircraft subsequently touched down on the runway with the landing gear still retracted.

Inspector Seating

The FAA inspector was seated in a passenger seat for takeoff and landing and was not aware that the landing gear had not been extended.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24573. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.