What happened
On 1 January 2016, a Piper PA34-2/20T (registration 9M-RBI) was performing a general aviation flight from Senai Airport, Malaysia, to Seletar Airport, Singapore. During the final approach to Runway 03, the pilot experienced a bounce on the left wheel while attempting to flare the aircraft approximately 150m from the threshold.
In an attempt to abort the landing, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure by applying full power. However, the pilot encountered difficulty retracting the flaps, which remained stuck at 40°. To reduce drag, the pilot subsequently retracted the landing gear. Without first confirming a positive rate of climb, the aircraft began to sink. The pilot attempted to re-extend the gear, but the aircraft struck the runway with the landing gear still retracted, resulting in a belly landing approximately 600m from the threshold. The aircraft sustained damage to the belly and the propellers of both engines were curled upon impact. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical state, the pilot's actions, and the sequence of the go-around. Post-accident testing of the landing gear and flap systems showed they were functioning normally, meaning the pilot's reported difficulty with the flap lever button could not be replicated.
Investigators also analyzed the aircraft's attitude during impact. The pattern of damage to the belly suggested the aircraft was in a relatively flat pitch rather than the nose-up attitude expected during a normal landing flare. Additionally, while the pilot did not perform a full gear warning horn check as required by the flight manual, the investigation noted the use of noise-canceling headsets might have prevented the pilot from hearing any audible alerts.
Findings
- The pilot failed to follow the prescribed go-around procedure, which requires verifying a positive climb before retracting the landing gear.
- The pilot did not perform a comprehensive pre-flight check at the departure airport, specifically omitting an inspection of the flap system.
- The pilot did not perform the required landing gear warning horn check during the approach, as the flight manual mandates retarding the throttle to verify the system.
- The aircraft's landing gear was in a retracted state at the moment of runway contact.