History of the Flight
The amphibious aircraft, an AT-802A with registration EC-JLB, was operated by SAETA in firefighting efforts for the government of Catalonia. On 11 July 2011, it took off from Reus Airport at 20:30 local time, loaded with water. It flew behind another AT-802A, performing all maneuvers in trail. After the first water drop on the fire, the flight proceeded to San Carles de la Rápita, Tarragona, to scoop water and return. At 21:00, while scooping water, the aircraft suffered an accident because the landing gear was extended. The aircraft turned over and floated upside down. The pilot waited for the cockpit to flood, retrieved the air bottle, and exited the aircraft without injury. The aircraft received minor damage to the left aileron and propeller blades.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, manufactured in 2005, had 285 total hours and the engine 302 hours. It had undergone annual and 100-hour inspections one month prior. The pilot, aged 48, held a commercial pilot license with 2,135 total flight hours, including 157 hours on the amphibious Air Tractor. He had flown 73 hours in the last year and had renewed his amphibious rating in June 2011. His recent flights were in firefighting operations.
Wreckage and Impact
After recovery, the landing gear was visually confirmed down and locked. The gear lever in the cockpit was in the up position, but the hydraulic pump circuit breakers (PUMP 1 and PUMP 2) were tripped. The gear extension lever was guarded, propeller lever forward, flaps at 20°, water scoop system in manual, and the gear advisory breaker (GEAR ADV) was not tripped. A handwritten sticker saying "GEAR" was found next to the water refill selector.
Tests and Research
Inspection showed no damage or malfunction in the gear mechanism. The gear cycled normally after the accident, with proper up and down indications. The pilot stated he raised the gear after takeoff and did not move the lever afterwards; he could not confirm the gear lights were on but was positive he had raised it. He reported no acoustic warnings. He mentioned a habit of opening the pump breakers during pre-flight to avoid pump noise, though not in procedures. The lead pilot did not notice the trailing aircraft's gear position.
Probable Cause
As stated in the investigation report, the accident occurred because the landing gear was extended during water scooping.