What happened
On August 11, 2014, a Mooney M20K, registration PT-LZL, was performing a local flight near Campinas, Brazil. The flight was intended to maintain the pilot's recent experience with the aircraft model. The weather conditions were favorable for visual flight rules (VFR), and air traffic at the Amarais Aerodrome (SDAM) was light.
As the pilot approached runway 16 for landing, he performed a landing check while traveling at approximately 160 knots. Because the aircraft's maximum landing gear extended speed is limited to 130 KCAS, the pilot intentionally delayed extending the gear until the aircraft slowed down. However, during the final stages of the approach, the pilot became distracted by a conversation with a passenger. Consequently, the pilot failed to extend the landing gear before touchdown. The aircraft struck the runway with the gear retracted, resulting in substantial damage to the propeller tips, the engine, and the nose gear doors. Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation focused on the pilot's actions and the cockpit environment. The pilot, who possessed significant flight experience, reported that he forgot to complete the gear extension task. Investigators examined the aircraft's landing gear system and found no evidence of mechanical malfunction; notably, the gear warning alarm functioned correctly when the aircraft was later hoisted for transport.
The investigation also explored the pilot's recent flying habits, noting that he frequently operates Cirrus SR20 and SR22 aircraft, which feature fixed landing gear. This established a potential negative transfer of habits, where the pilot's routine with fixed-gear aircraft may have contributed to the oversight.
Findings
- The pilot failed to complete the landing gear extension checklist.
- Distraction caused by a lack of adherence to the "sterile cockpit" principle during critical phases of flight.
- A failure in situational awareness and perception, exacerbated by conversation with the passenger.
- Potential negative transfer of habits from operating fixed-gear aircraft.