On March 21, 2004, a Cessna T310R (registration N3465G) was involved in an aviation accident near Broomfield, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and his failure to verify the landing gear position. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's diverted attention due to the electrical failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experiencing electrical problems landed with propellers contacting the runway after failing to visually verify landing gear extension, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft's bulkhead.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported experiencing electrical problems for the majority of his flight. Approaching the airport, he entered a downwind leg for runway 29R. He lowered the landing gear and set 15 degrees of flaps. Noticing that the flap indicator was not showing the selected position, the pilot raised the flaps lever to avoid potential complications later. He did not visually confirm that the landing gear was fully extended and locked.
Landing Sequence
During the landing flare, both propellers struck the ground. The aircraft then slid along the runway for several hundred feet. The impact and subsequent slide substantially damaged a bulkhead in the aircraft structure.
Investigation
The pilot stated that the electrical problems had been present for the majority of the flight. No other factors were reported. The investigation noted that the pilot had not visually verified the landing gear position before touchdown.