What happened
On April 13, 2012, at approximately 20:30 UTC, a BEECH AIRCRAFT V35B, registration PT-DRR, was performing local touch-and-go training maneuvers at the Estância de Santa Maria Aerodrome (SSKG) in Campo Grande, Brazil. The flight was being conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) by a single pilot.
During the second approach to runway 24, the pilot engaged in radio communication to coordinate traffic with another aircraft operating out of the nearby Campo Grande Airport (SBCG). During this interaction, the pilot failed to extend the landing gear. The aircraft subsequently made contact with the asphalt runway approximately 600 meters from the threshold of runway 24, sliding for an additional 140 meters before coming to a stop on the right side of the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller blades, engine, ventral fuselage, and flaps. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical systems and the pilot's actions. The investigation confirmed that the landing gear system was fully functional; when the aircraft was placed on hydraulic jacks, all three gear legs retracted and extended correctly, and all cockpit indications and the landing gear warning alarm functioned as designed.
The investigation established that the pilot had completed the flap deployment as part of the pre-landing checklist but had not yet moved the landing gear lever to the down position. The pilot's attention was diverted by a radio query from an aircraft at SBCG regarding his position. After responding to the radio call, the pilot continued the approach to runway 24, under the mistaken impression that all pre-landing checks had been completed.
Findings
- The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear due to a distraction during radio communication.
- The pilot's limited experience with this specific aircraft type.