Introduction
On 20 December 2014, at approximately 1330 UTC, a Cessna T210L (registration N2257S) sustained damage during a landing incident at Providenciales Airport, Turks and Caicos Islands. The aircraft was on a private delivery flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to São Paulo, Brazil, with the first intended stop at Providenciales for refueling.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft, a 1976 Cessna T210L (serial number 21061201), was powered by a single Teledyne Continental TS10-520 series piston engine. The flight was conducted by a single pilot, a 54-year-old male holding an Airline Transport Pilot Licence with a total flying experience of 5,893 hours, including 20 hours on type. His recent flying activity included 37 hours in the last 90 days and 10 hours in the last 28 days.
Accident Sequence
After a normal approach to Providenciales, the aircraft touched down with the landing gear retracted. It slid on its belly for an estimated 100 feet before coming to a stop. The pilot subsequently reported that he had omitted to extend the landing gear before touchdown.
The source notes that it is uncertain whether the audio landing gear warning, which should sound if the throttle is retarded to a low level without all three gears being down and locked, was serviceable.
Damage
The incident resulted in damage to the propeller and the lower fuselage. No injuries were reported; the pilot was the sole occupant.
Probable Cause
The pilot omitted to extend the landing gear before touchdown.