What happened
On May 21, 2011, at 16:40 local time, a private Piper PA 28-201T, registration F-GDLN, was performing a local flight with one passenger at Lyon Bron aerodrome. While returning to the airfield, the pilot joined the downwind leg for the paved runway 34. During the approach, the pilot's attention was focused on two other aircraft positioned ahead of him in the traffic pattern.
As the aircraft transitioned to the final approach, the flaps were fully extended, but the landing gear remained retracted. The pilot reported that he did not hear the audible landing gear warning alarm. During the short final, as power was reduced, the aircraft descended and struck the runway with the landing gear retracted, resulting in heavy damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's warning systems and the pilot's flight experience. The landing gear warning system is designed to trigger an audible alarm when the gear is up while the flaps are fully extended or when the intake pressure falls below 14 inches. This system is supplemented by a red "Gear Unsafe" light located on the upper dashboard in the pilot's field of view.
At the time of the accident, the pilot held a PPL (A) SEP license issued in 2007 and had a total of 175 flight hours, including 75 hours on this specific type. The pilot had completed 7 hours of flight time in the three months prior to the event, but had not flown in the 24 hours preceding the accident. Weather conditions were favorable, with visibility exceeding 10 km and light winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain divided attention while preparing for landing.
- The presence of two other aircraft ahead in the circuit acted as a contributing factor by distracting the pilot's focus.