On November 15, 1999, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N4UE) was involved in an aviation accident near Romulus, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to touchdown, resulting in a propeller strike with the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that the gear warning horn sounded during final approach to runway 03R. Before corrective action could be taken, the propellers struck the runway surface.
What happened
During the final phase of flight on short final to runway 03R, the pilot initiated the landing sequence by extending full flaps and retarding the engines. At this moment, the gear warning horn activated, indicating that the landing gear was not in the correct position for touchdown.
The pilot noted that despite hearing the warning, there was insufficient time to take corrective action before impact occurred. The propellers struck the runway surface, causing damage to the aircraft. Following the impact, the aircraft slid along the runway until it came to a complete stop. The pilot then shut down and secured the aircraft.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the failure to ensure the landing gear was fully extended and locked before touchdown. The activation of the gear warning horn served as a critical alert that was not acted upon in time to prevent the propeller strike.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to touchdown, resulting in a propeller strike with the runway.