What happened
On March 31, 2023, at approximately 13:00 UTC, a Beechcraft H35, registration PR-CLJ, was performing a private flight from São José, Santa Catarina, to Canela, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers.
During the approach and landing at Canela Aerodrome (SSCN), the aircraft touched down with its landing gear in the retracted position. Following the impact, the aircraft veered to the right side of the runway, traveling 340 meters before coming to a complete stop. The impact caused substantial damage to the propeller, engine, and the lower portion of the fuselage. All four occupants of the aircraft were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the mechanical and operational aspects of the flight. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's landing gear system, including the electric actuators, the position indicator lights (green for down, red for up), and the audible warning alarm, were all fully operational. Testing during the investigation showed no mechanical failures in the gear deployment mechanism.
The pilot held valid medical and multi-engine ratings, though investigators could not verify recent flight experience requirements. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and all maintenance logs and airworthiness certificates were up to date. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were above the minimums required for flight.
Findings
- The pilot did not utilize the aircraft's checklist during the approach and landing phases of the flight.
- The pilot relied on memory rather than standardized procedures, which increased the risk of error.
- The pilot failed to verify the landing gear position via the green indicator light.
- The pilot did not recall hearing the audible warning alarm, which triggers when power is reduced below 12 inches of manifold pressure while the gear is not locked down.
- Failure to use the checklist led to a reduction in situational awareness and contributed to the oversight of the gear position.