Circumstances
The pilot and a passenger were traveling from Antwerp Airport in Belgium to Courchevel Altiport in the French Alps. The flight was conducted under IFR rules to Geneva, then under VFR to the destination. After approximately three hours of navigation, the pilot joined the traffic pattern at Courchevel and began an approach to runway 22, which is paved. The pilot extended full flaps and maintained a speed of 80 kt. During the flare, while reducing power, the pilot heard the gear warning horn but was unable to prevent a gear-up landing.
The gear warning system activates when the landing gear is retracted and manifold pressure is below 14 inches. The pilot stated that he chose the 80 kt approach speed to avoid being disturbed by the gear warning. He also noted that during final approach, his attention was focused on the trajectory and the touchdown point. The recommended approach speed for the aircraft is 75 kt.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a valid Private Pilot License (PPL(A)) issued by the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority, along with an Instrument Rating and a site qualification for Courchevel. He had landed at Courchevel twenty times previously, eighteen of which were with this specific aircraft. His total flight time was 413 hours, including 126 hours on type. In the previous three months, he had flown 7 hours, and in the preceding twenty-four hours, 3 hours, all on type.
Weather
Meteorological conditions were CAVOK, with calm wind, temperature 5°C, and QNH 1023 hPa.
Conclusions
The accident resulted from the pilot's focus on the approach path. Insufficient attention dissociation and the choice of a high engine power setting in final to inhibit the gear warning contributed to the event.