What happened
On 28 December 2018, a Cessna 404, registration N97AQ, was conducting a non-revenue commercial repositioning flight at night under visual meteorological conditions. The aircraft was operating at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport in the British Virgin Islands.
During the approach, the pilot noted gusty wind conditions and made two inquiries regarding the current wind state. While configuring the aircraft for arrival, the pilot elected to maintain the flaps at a 10° setting. As the aircraft flared and made contact with the runway surface, the pilot discovered that the landing gear had not been deployed. The aircraft subsequently came to a stop on the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to its wings, fuselage, and propellers.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the pilot's cockpit procedures. The investigation established that the pilot had significant flying experience, including over 5,000 hours on this specific type. The pilot provided the initial accident report and identified that the primary reason for the incident was an incomplete checklist execution. Specifically, the pilot failed to verify that the landing gear was in the down and locked position.
Findings
- The pilot failed to complete the required checklist to confirm the landing gear configuration.
- Distraction caused by turbulent and gusty wind conditions during night operations contributed to the oversight.