Landing gear failure investigation following touchdown

No fatalities • Seattle-Boeing Field, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An investigation into a landing incident revealed that the aircraft touched down with the landing gear in the retracted position, leading to structural damage.

What happened

During the approach phase of the flight, the captain acted as the pilot monitoring while the co-pilot performed the flying duties. The captain reported extending the flaps and the landing gear; however, upon touchdown, the landing gear remained retracted. While the co-pilot noted observing the gear lever and the three green lights during the approach, cockpit voice recordings showed the crew focused on various checklists, including flap settings and engine ignitions. As the aircraft descended to approximately 300 feet, the captain noted the status of the yaw damper and air valves before landing.

Following the landing, the captain reported that the aircraft made contact on the flaps and the keel. After the engines were shut down, the crew performed a gear swing test, which confirmed the gear could cycle properly and that all indicator lights functioned correctly. An inspection of the aircraft revealed scrape marks on the outer rims of both outer tires, as well as damage to the gear door fairings and the flap hinge fairings.

Findings

Post-incident inspections identified that the gear not extended horn failed to activate when the gear was retracted with the flaps fully extended and power levers at idle. The investigation determined that a faulty set of contacts in the relay prevented the warning horn from sounding. When the relay was bypassed, the horn functioned as intended.

Probable cause

A malfunction in the relay contacts prevented the landing gear warning horn from alerting the crew that the gear was not extended.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-12-16 BAe 125 accident near Seattle-Boeing Field, United States of America?

An investigation into a landing incident revealed that the aircraft touched down with the landing gear in the retracted position, leading to structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-12-16 BAe 125 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-12-16 involved a BAe 125, registration N55RF, operated by National Aircraft Leasing, at Seattle-Boeing Field, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A malfunction in the relay contacts prevented the landing gear warning horn from alerting the crew that the gear was not extended.

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