What happened
On December 10, 2013, an EMB-711ST aircraft, registration PT-RPS, was performing a private flight from Posse, GO, to Botelho, Brasília, DF. The flight, which included the pilot and three passengers, departed at 10:40 UTC with sufficient fuel for the one-hour journey.
Upon arriving at the destination aerodrome, the pilot crossed the runway to enter the traffic pattern for runway 14, initiating a right-hand base leg. During the approach, the pilot engaged in radio communications with a helicopter operating at the same aerodrome. While focused on these coordination efforts, the pilot failed to command the landing gear to the down position.
As a result, the aircraft performed a belly landing. The tail tie-down loop made initial contact with the runway, followed by the propeller striking the ground while the engine was still running. The aircraft slid approximately 245 meters along the runway before coming to a complete stop. All four occupants of the aircraft escaped without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the pilot's actions. Post-accident testing of the PT-RPS using a hydraulic jack confirmed that the landing gear system was fully operational. The gear responded correctly to extension and retraction commands, and the cockpit indicator lights functioned as intended. Additionally, the cockpit warning horn, which alerts the pilot when the gear is not locked down during power reduction, was found to be working properly.
Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were found to be up to date. The pilot, who held the appropriate ratings for the aircraft type, confirmed that the failure to extend the gear was due to a personal oversight during the traffic pattern.
Findings
- The pilot became distracted by radio communications with another aircraft during the landing circuit.
- The pilot forgot to extend the landing gear.