Retracted Landing Gear Leads to Runway Impact in Sevilla

Casualties unknown • Aeródromo La Juliana (Sevilla), ES

A Cessna F177RG experienced a runway excursion at La Juliana aerodrome after the pilot failed to extend the landing gear during approach.

What happened

On July 10, 2020, a Cessna F177RG, registration EC-FHE, was performing a local flight for practice takeoffs and landings at the La Juliana aerodrome in Sevilla, Spain. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was conducting a circuit of the aerodrome after a significant period of inactivity.

During the approach to runway 27, the pilot failed to extend the retractable landing gear. At approximately 11:15 UTC, the aircraft's propeller struck the asphalt approximately 180 meters from the runway threshold. The impact caused the propeller blades to bend inward. Following the initial contact, the lower fuselage, engine cowl flaps, and exhaust pipe scraped along the runway for an additional 160 meters before the aircraft came to a stop 340 meters from the threshold. The pilot was uninjured and exited the aircraft on his own.

The investigation

The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical state, the pilot's actions, and the operational procedures. Investigators noted that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate had been expired since September 2011, with no maintenance records documented since that same date.

Analysis of the impact marks on the runway confirmed that the propeller hit the pavement with low power applied, as there were no signs of significant blade torsion. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight history, noting that the pilot had only two recorded flights in the previous eight years. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the aircraft's operating manual, which recommends leaving the landing gear extended during circuits for takeoff and landing practice as an extra precaution.

Findings

  • The pilot failed to perform the landing checklist, which includes the requirement to extend the landing gear.
  • The pilot did not follow the manufacturer's recommendation to keep the gear extended during local flight practice circuits.
  • The pilot only became aware that the gear was retracted when the aircraft's audible warning system activated after reducing power during the final approach.
  • The aircraft's airworthiness certificate and maintenance records had been lapsed since 2011.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to adhere to flight procedures, specifically the omission of the landing checklist and the failure to extend the landing gear prior to touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-07-10 CESSNA modelo F-177-RG accident near Aeródromo La Juliana (Sevilla), ES?

A Cessna F177RG experienced a runway excursion at La Juliana aerodrome after the pilot failed to extend the landing gear during approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-07-10 involved a CESSNA modelo F-177-RG, registration EC-FHE, at Aeródromo La Juliana (Sevilla), ES.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to adhere to flight procedures, specifically the omission of the landing checklist and the failure to extend the landing gear prior to touchdown.

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