What happened
On Monday, March 31, 2003, a Cessna P 210 N (registration N24CP) departed Bordeaux Mérignac for a flight to Charleroi under IFR conditions. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing through 1,0 and 000 feet, the pilot observed a "GEN OUT" warning light. Following a recent generator replacement, the pilot notified air traffic control of the electrical issue and decided to return to Bordeaux.
During the downwind leg, the pilot detected abnormal amperage consumption. Suspecting a short circuit, the pilot performed load shedding by disconnecting the starter circuit breaker and turning off the GPS, pitot heat, autopilot, and navigation lights. As the aircraft approached the runway, the controller offered an alternative landing on runway 05 due to a wind shift, but the pilot elected to continue the approach to runway 23.
During the final approach, the controller observed that the landing gear had not been extended. The controller issued a go-around instruction in English but did not include the aircraft's callsign. The pilot, focused on maintaining approach speed amidst tailwind conditions and approaching thunderstorms, misinterpreted the instruction as being intended for another aircraft. The aircraft subsequently landed with the gear retracted, resulting in damage to the lower fuselage, tail boom, and wings.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's electrical systems and maintenance history. It was discovered that the landing gear warning siren had been deactivated during a previous maintenance visit because it was malfunctioning. While the pilot was aware of this deactivation, the condition was not documented in the aircraft's logbook.
Additionally, the investigation reviewed a previous incident involving the same aircraft and pilot in February 2003, where a similar electrical failure had occurred. The investigation also analyzed the communication between the controller and the pilot during the emergency phase of the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the landing gear omission was high workload and a loss of attention during the approach phase, as the pilot focused on managing speed and weather threats.
- The pilot's priority management was inadequate during the approach.
- The landing gear warning siren was inoperative, having been intentionally disabled during maintenance.
- The controller's use of imprecise phraseology—specifically failing to include the aircraft's callsign when issuing the go-around instruction—contributed to the pilot's misunderstanding.