What happened
On September 2, 2018, a Piper PA-34-220T, registration PR-ACR, operated by Rota do Sol Táxi Aéreo Ltda, was performing a domestic flight from João Pessoa (SBJP) to Santa Rita (SNWE) in Paraíba, Brazil. The flight, which began as a multi-passenger operation, had been modified after the pilot diverted to João Pessoa due to weather conditions, leaving only one passenger on board.
During the approach to runway 34 at SNWE, the aircraft touched down with its landing gear in the retracted position. The impact caused the aircraft to slide along the runway, coming to a stop approximately 350 meters from the threshold. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propellers, engines, lower fuselage, flaps, and landing gear doors. Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical systems and the pilot's operational history. While the aircraft's landing gear system was found to be functioning normally during post-accident testing, evidence indicated that the extension cycle had actually begun just before touchdown. The investigation also revealed that the pilot had deactivated the cockpit's audible landing gear warning by pulling the circuit breaker shortly after takeoff to prevent the alarm from sounding during periods of reduced engine power.
Investigators also reviewed the operator's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Training Program. It was noted that the pilot performed the gear extension command during the short final approach, which deviated from the company's SOP requiring extension on the downwind leg. Furthermore, the investigation found that the pilot's training and the company's official training program lacked specific provisions for single-pilot operations.
Findings
- The pilot performed a late command to extend the landing gear during the final approach, leaving insufficient time for the gear to lock.
- The pilot had deactivated the audible landing gear warning system after takeoff.
- The pilot had limited experience operating the aircraft in a single-pilot configuration.
- The operator's training program and SOPs did not adequately address the specific requirements and challenges of single-pilot operations.
- Organizational failures within the operator's training program contributed to the pilot's reduced situational awareness and increased workload during the flight.