Incident Overview
A flight departing from Dekalb-Peachtree Airport encountered problems shortly after takeoff. The pilot radioed that the airplane had a landing gear issue and that there was smoke in the cockpit. Air traffic control instructed the pilot to enter the visual traffic pattern for runway 2R.
Air Traffic Control Communications
Once the airplane was in the traffic pattern, the controller informed the pilot that the landing gear appeared to be extended and cleared the flight to land. However, as the airplane neared touchdown, the controller noticed that the landing gear was not locked and instructed the pilot to go around. During the go-around, as the airplane flew past the control tower, smoke was observed coming from the aircraft.
Subsequent Maneuvers
The pilot then maneuvered for a landing on runway 27. Again, the controller instructed the pilot to go around. Seconds later, the airplane touched down in a grassy area located between the approach ends of runways 2L and 2R.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed extensive fire damage to the floor area beneath the pilot's seat. Investigators found that a flexible hydraulic fluid supply line was missing, and there was evidence of electrical arcing in the immediate vicinity of the hot spot.