What happened
On July 9, 2013, a Piper PA-28R-20, registration PT-OCO, was conducting a training flight involving two crew members. The flight originated from the Eldorado do Sul Aerodrome (SIXE) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and proceeded to perform IFR procedures at the Pelotas Aerodrome (SBPK).
During the return leg to SIXE, the crew performed three touch-and-go maneuvers. On the final approach, the aircraft landed with the landing gear in the retracted position. The impact caused the engine to stop abruptly and resulted in substantial damage to the propeller blades, landing gear, fuselage, and the right wing tip.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's landing gear deployment system following the accident. The inspection of the landing gear actuation mechanism, including the warning lights and buzzer, revealed no mechanical or electrical irregularities. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid, the weight and balance were within limits, and all maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were up to date. Both crew members held valid medical and technical certificates, with the instructor possessing 990 total flight hours and the student undergoing commercial pilot training.
Findings
- Pilot error (failure to extend the landing gear).