What happened
On May 29, 2001, at approximately 16:20 local time, a Piper PA 28 R 180 Arrow, registered F-BPFX, was conducting a private VFR flight from Dole to Pontarlier. While entering the traffic pattern for runway 02 at Pontarlier aerodrome, the aircraft performed a landing with the landing gear in the retracted position. The aircraft struck the runway surface on its belly, sliding for several meters before coming to a complete stop on the paved runway.
There were 3 persons on board (the pilot and two passengers); no fatalities or injuries were reported following the incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the configuration of the aircraft's landing gear during the approach and landing phase. The Piper PA 28 R 180 Arrow is equipped with a specific warning system designed to alert the crew if the gear is not properly extended. This system includes a red warning light that illuminates if the Manifold Pressure (MAP) is below 14 P.S.I. while the landing gear selector is not in the "down" position. This visual alert is accompanied by an audible warning signal broadcast both within the cabin and through the pilot's headset.
During the inquiry, the pilot admitted to forgetting to extend the landing gear. However, the pilot stated they had no recollection of seeing the red warning light or hearing the audible alarm. Furthermore, the pilot could not recall the position of the manifold pressure lever at the time of the landing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the incomplete verification of landing gear extension prior to touchdown.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the underside of the fuselage, the flaps, and the propeller blades.
- The pilot failed to notice or react to the integrated visual and audible landing gear warning systems.