Accident
On 25 June 2018 at 1105 UTC, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N111DT) landed at Leicester Airport with its undercarriage retracted. The aircraft slid on its belly before stopping near the right edge of the runway. The propeller was bent, the engine shock-loaded, and the fuselage belly skin, lower front cowling, and lower radio antennae were damaged.
Aircraft and Pilot
The aircraft, a Piper PA-24-180 (serial number 24-2260, year of manufacture 1960), was powered by one Aerosport O-360-A1A piston engine. The commander held a Private Pilot’s Licence, was 74 years old, and had 538 hours of flying experience, of which 401 hours were on type. His flying in the previous 90 days totalled 6 hours, and in the previous 28 days, 1 hour. There was one crew and three passengers on board; no injuries were reported.
Events Leading to Accident
Approaching Leicester Airport from the east, the pilot initially planned a downwind join for Runway 28. After checking in with Leicester Radio and hearing only one other aircraft on frequency, he decided to convert to a straight-in approach to save time. On final approach, the pilot became aware of an additional aircraft in the circuit and was distracted while trying to locate it. With his attention diverted, he omitted his normal checks and did not lower the landing gear before touchdown.
Aftermath
The aircraft landed with the landing gear retracted and slid on its belly. The pilot and passengers evacuated the aircraft via the normal exit; none were injured. The information for this report was provided by the pilot via an Aircraft Accident Report Form.
Pilot’s Comments
The pilot considered that his decision to fly a less familiar approach, rather than joining via the downwind leg, had increased his workload and given him less time to prepare for landing. Looking out for the additional aircraft further distracted him from his normal procedures, contributing to a rushed approach and wheels-up landing.