Incident Summary
On 19 January 2026, a Tecnam P2006T aircraft, registration SP-LFL, experienced a landing gear-up touchdown while maneuvering at EPPT. The aircraft was operated by an instructor and a trainee pilot. Both crew members exited the aircraft without injury. The incident resulted in damage to the aircraft's antenna, leaving metallic debris on the runway.
Sequence of Events
After completing an instrument training route (D21 IPS IR), the crew switched to visual flight rules and positioned the aircraft for a straight-in approach to runway 21R. The instructor, concerned with high traffic density and a personal need to depart promptly, took over piloting and radio communication, seeking approval for an expeditious entry into the traffic pattern. The instructor decided to land from a straight-in approach, which resulted in a low pass over grass runway 21L. Following this, a low left-hand circuit was flown, and a short final approach to runway 21R led to a go-around.
Subsequently, the instructor executed a shortened right-hand circuit to runway 21R, receiving traffic sequence number 2 from the flight director, with instruction to maintain own separation from numbers 1 (white) and 3 (red). During the flare over runway 21R, the instructor noted an unusually high pitch angle and low height, felt and heard the fuselage scraping the concrete surface, and immediately initiated a go-around without notifying the flight director. After climbing, the landing gear lever was moved to the down position, and the aircraft proceeded through a low left-hand third circuit to the downwind leg, where gear extension was confirmed. The instructor then reported position, performed a full landing on runway 21R, back-tracked to taxiway Alpha, and taxied to the parking apron.
Post-flight, the instructor informed the airport coordinator and safety manager, leading to a runway inspection that revealed metal fragments from the aircraft's antenna. The crew reported no injuries.
Cause and Contributing Factors
The direct cause of the incident was the crew's failure to perform the 'Before landing' procedure, which resulted in the aircraft touching down with the landing gear retracted.
Contributing factors included:
- The crew's intention to expedite joining the traffic pattern and landing.
- The execution of low, shortened, and non-standard circuits.
- The similarity between the landing gear warning horn and the stall warning horn sounds during the flare phase.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, based on crew statements, flight director communications, Garmin avionics data, and airport camera recordings, determined that the 'Before landing' checklist was not completed. The instructor's haste to land and depart for personal reasons was noted. The flight director could not provide conditions for a full landing due to heavy traffic and the unexpected non-standard circuits. The crew held valid licenses and medical certificates. The aircraft was airworthy and maintained per regulations.
Preliminary Preventive Measures
Following the incident, the chief flight instructor implemented measures including mandatory review of landing gear system procedures, adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and AFM checklists, pre-flight briefing discussions, additional proficiency checks for the instructor, revision of training syllabi, and restrictions on low-level circuits except for specific situations. The incident was to be briefed to all instructors and trainees. The manufacturer was to be informed about the warning horn sound similarity, and consideration was given to adding a mandatory 'gear down' callout on short final.