Gear-up landing at Courchevel Altiport involving Piper PA 32

Casualties unknown • Conséquences, FR

A Piper PA 32 RT-300 Lance experienced a landing with the landing gear retracted during an approach to Courchevel, resulting in heavy damage to the aircraft.

What happened

On March 20, 2011, a Piper PA 32 RT-300 Lance, registered N220BK, was performing a private flight from Antwerp, Belgium, to the Courchevel Altiport. The flight was conducted under IFR conditions until reaching Geneva, after which the crew transitioned to VFR for the final leg to the destination.

Upon arriving at Courcheker, the pilot entered the traffic pattern and commenced an approach to the paved runway 22. The aircraft was configured with full flaps, maintaining a speed of 80 knots. During the flare, as the pilot reduced engine power, the "Landing Gear Not Down" (TNS) warning alarm activated. Despite the alarm, the pilot was unable to prevent the aircraft from touching down with the landing gear retracted, causing heavy damage to the airframe.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the final approach and the operational environment. The investigation established that the pilot held a valid PPL(A) with IR and Courchevel site qualifications, having previously landed at the altiport 20 times. At the time of the accident, the pilot had 413 total flight hours, including 126 hours on this specific type.

Investigators examined the cockpit environment, specifically the mechanics of the TNS alarm. The audible warning triggers when the gear is retracted and manifold pressure drops below 14 inches. The pilot stated that he had intentionally maintained a higher approach speed of 80 knots—exceeding the recommended 75 knots—specifically to keep the engine power high enough to prevent the alarm from sounding. Furthermore, the pilot noted that his attention during the final approach was primarily focused on maintaining the correct flight path and touchdown point.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's fixation on the approach trajectory.
  • The pilot's decision to maintain a higher-than-recommended airspeed to inhibit the TNS alarm contributed to the event.
  • Insufficient attentional dissociation during the critical phases of the approach further contributed to the failure to verify the gear configuration.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot focusing excessively on the approach path, compounded by the decision to fly at a higher speed to avoid the landing gear warning alarm and a lack of sufficient attention to the aircraft's configuration.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-03-20 Piper PA 32 RT-300 Lance accident near Conséquences, FR?

A Piper PA 32 RT-300 Lance experienced a landing with the landing gear retracted during an approach to Courchevel, resulting in heavy damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-03-20 involved a Piper PA 32 RT-300 Lance, at Conséquences, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot focusing excessively on the approach path, compounded by the decision to fly at a higher speed to avoid the landing gear warning alarm and a lack of sufficient attention to the aircraft's configuration.

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