What happened
On June 17, 2013, an Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co Segelflugzeugbau ASH 26 E motor glider, registration LN-GCR, was conducting a training flight near Namsos Airport (ENNM). The pilot departed from runway 07 at 17:30, climbing to 2,500 feet before retracting the engine to transition from motor glider to glider mode. After approximately 45 minutes of soaring in thermals, the pilot returned to the airfield for landing.
During the approach, the pilot encountered significant sink. To maintain sufficient altitude for the final approach, the pilot made the decision to retract the landing gear and brakes. This modification to the standard landing sequence, combined with an early turn toward the final approach, resulted in a short final leg. As the aircraft transitioned into the landing rotation, the pilot realized the landing gear had not been re-extended. The pilot attempted to deploy the gear just as the aircraft touched down, resulting in a hard landing. The aircraft veered to the right and came to rest on the gravel just beyond the runway edge. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the flight sequence and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the landing gear had only been partially extended at the moment of impact. The impact caused damage to the landing gear doors and the fuselage belly. Additionally, a minor fuel leak was identified following the accident, requiring the remaining fuel to be drained.
Findings
- The pilot's attention was diverted by the need to manage the aircraft's altitude during unexpected sink.
- The decision to retract the landing gear and brakes to preserve altitude altered the standard landing checklist sequence.
- Distraction caused the pilot to forget the re-extension of the landing gear during the modified approach.