What happened
A Cessna Citation 550, registration C-GYCJ, was performing a medical evacuation flight from Vancouver International Airport to Sandspit Airport in the Queen Charlotte Islands when it experienced a gear-up landing. The flight, operated by Canada Jet Charters Ltd., carried two pilots and two paramedics.
Upon arrival at Sandspuit, the crew encountered significant weather challenges, including strong, gusty crosswinds. During the instrument approach to Runway 30, the aircraft's nose pitched down just before touchdown. The captain initially believed the nosewheel and main gear had collapsed as the aircraft slid on its belly. Following an evacuation, the crew discovered upon returning to the aircraft that the landing gear was actually in the up position and the selector was also up.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though there were no injuries to the four occupants.
The investigation
The investigation established that the crew did not complete the required before-landing checklists and failed to extend the landing gear. During the approach, the landing gear warning horn sounded four times before the final approach fix and an additional three times before touchdown; however, the crew silenced the horn each time.
Several distractions were identified during the final stages of the approach. The crew was managing numerous radio transmissions regarding local weather. Additionally, the captain became preoccupied with attempting to remotely activate the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) after it became invisible, which led to further radio communications with the Terrace Flight Service Station regarding runway light intensity.
Furthermore, the investigation noted that the aircraft was not equipped with a ground proximity warning system (GPWS). Had a GPWS been installed, it would have provided an automated aural warning of the incorrect landing configuration at 500 feet.
Findings
- The crew failed to perform before-landing checks, ignored multiple aural warnings, and did not lower the landing gear, which led to the gear-up landing.
- Crew distractions, including weather-related radio transmissions and attempts to troubleshoot the PAPI, contributed to the oversight.
- The checklist being utilized did not align with the aircraft flight manual requirement to retract speed brakes prior to 50 feet.