What happened
On August 6, 2003, at approximately 12:50 local time, a Cessna 310 R, registration EC-DAA, was performing a private flight from Muchamiel to Almería Airport. The flight, carrying a pilot and three passengers, proceeded normally through the approach phase under clear weather conditions.
Upon touchdown on the runway, the pilot realized that the landing gear had not been deployed. This caused the aircraft to slide along the runway surface. The pilot attempted to apply power to regain control, but the aircraft continued to slide for approximately 50 meters before coming to a complete stop. The aircraft sustained damage to the propellers and the lower fuselage due to contact with the runway. All four occupants were uninjured and evacuated the aircraft before rescue services arrived.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's landing gear mechanism, including all mechanical linkages, rods, and electrical components. Post-accident testing of the landing gear deployment—using both normal and emergency procedures—showed that the system functioned correctly, with extension and retraction times falling within the manufacturer's specifications. The landing gear indicator lights and audible warnings were also found to be fully operational.
Witness accounts from air traffic controllers and individuals near the runway corroborated that the aircraft appeared stable during approach but lacked visible extended gear. Marks on the runway indicated that the propellers were rotating at the moment of impact, though the backward bend in the propeller blades suggested the engines were at low power. Inspection of the gear at the time of recovery showed the nose gear and main gear doors were partially open and the gear was in the process of unblocking.
Findings
- The investigation ruled out any mechanical or electrical failure within the landing gear system.
- The landing gear was not extended during the final stages of the approach.
- The pilot failed to operate the landing gear lever prior to touchdown, likely attempting to deploy the gear only at the moment of contact, which provided insufficient time for the gear to lock into place.