Landing gear retraction during commercial pilot checkride

Casualties unknown • Sturgis, MI, US

A student pilot landed an aircraft with the landing gear in the fully retracted position during a JAA commercial pilot checkride.

What happened

During a Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) commercial pilot checkride, the aircraft was landed with the landing gear in the fully retracted position. The student pilot reported that she had verbally completed the landing checklist but failed to notice the absence of the three green lights indicating gear extension.

The investigation

Following the incident, the aircraft was hoisted off the ground for inspection. When the landing gear selector handle was moved to the gear-down position, the landing gear extended without any anomalies. The investigation found no mechanical issues with the landing gear system that could have been associated with a pre-impact condition.

Probable cause

The student pilot failed to visually verify the presence of the three green lights during the landing checklist, resulting in the aircraft being landed with the gear retracted.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-04-20 Piper PA-34-220T accident near Sturgis, MI?

A student pilot landed an aircraft with the landing gear in the fully retracted position during a JAA commercial pilot checkride.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-04-20 involved a Piper PA-34-220T, registration N92721, at Sturgis, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot failed to visually verify the presence of the three green lights during the landing checklist, resulting in the aircraft being landed with the gear retracted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020426X00575. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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