Casualties unknown

1992-06-17: Piper PA-31-350 (CGRJA) — Juan Air — Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA, US

On June 17, 1992, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration CGRJA) operated by Juan Air was involved in an aviation accident near Seattle, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Pilot distraction due to a call to company ground personnel, which interrupted the normal landing gear extension procedure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A pilot forgot to extend the landing gear after being distracted by a call to company ground personnel during approach, resulting in a gear-up landing and slide of approximately 750 feet.

Approach and Holding

As the flight entered the airport area, air traffic control instructed the pilot to hold. During the holding pattern, the pilot completed the pre-landing checklist except for extending the landing gear.

Vectoring and Landing Clearance

When the pilot received landing instructions, the flight was vectored to enter the base leg. At approximately five miles out, the pilot made a call to company ground personnel to inform them that he would be a little late. The flight was then cleared to land.

Final Approach and Landing

Everything was normal on final approach until, during the flare, the power was reduced to idle. When the power was reduced, the landing gear warning horn sounded. The airplane then landed with the gear retracted and slid approximately 750 feet before coming to a stop.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that normally the landing gear is extended at the five-mile point; however, on the day of the accident, he felt that the call to the ground personnel distracted him from the normal procedures.

Probable cause

Pilot distraction due to a call to company ground personnel, which interrupted the normal landing gear extension procedure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15005. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.