Incident Description
An aircraft was observed on final approach with its landing gear retracted. After landing, the pilot reported that the landing gear was found sagging against the runway surface. However, examination revealed no damage to the nose landing gear doors, main landing gear legs, or tires, indicating that the landing gear had been fully retracted at touchdown.
Propeller Control Position
The propeller control was found positioned approximately 5 cm from the high RPM setting required by the final approach check. This position was consistent with a cruise and approach setting, suggesting that the pre-landing checklist and final approach check were not completed. Consequently, the aircraft landed with the landing gear selected up.
Operator Procedures
The operator did not have a documented distance from the airport by which the pre-landing checklist should be completed. Additionally, the final approach check had not been documented. The source noted that such measures increase the chance a pilot will detect incomplete pre-landing checks.
Landing Gear Warning System
The pilot reported not hearing the landing gear warning system prior to landing. The pilot reduced engine power to idle at a height of about 50–100 ft and glided to the landing. The system should have activated to alert the pilot to the retracted landing gear. The pilot’s noise-cancelling headset may have prevented the landing gear warning tone from being heard.
Conclusion
The probable cause, as stated in the source, is that the pre-landing checklist and final approach check were likely not completed, resulting in the aircraft landing with the landing gear selected up.