Incident Overview
On 21 December 2023, a Piper Aircraft, Inc. PA-28R-201, registration SP-KPA, was conducting a series of training circuits at EPML (Mielec Airport). The crew consisted of a pilot-instructor and a student-pilot. During a full landing, the aircraft touched down with its landing gear retracted.
Damage
The propeller, engine, and lower fuselage skin sustained damage. Both crew members evacuated the aircraft on their own and reported no injuries.
Cause
The investigation determined that the crew did not perform the landing gear extension procedure and did not complete the before-landing checklist.
Contributing Factors
Factors that contributed to the incident include improper distribution of attention during the approach and landing by both pilots, loss of vigilance by the instructor pilot, and lack of reaction to the student pilot's improper action.
Safety Actions
The investigating body proposed the development and publication of a bulletin containing procedures for safe flight operations at ATO Royal Star involving aircraft with retractable landing gear. The State Commission accepted this recommendation.