What happened
On June 16, 2017, at 16:39 UTC, a Socata TB 20 Trinidad, registered CN-CDP, was performing a private flight from Al Hoceima to Tangier-Ibn Battouta Airport. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and two passengers. After receiving landing clearance for runway 10 and reviewing local weather conditions—which included strong winds with gusts up to 30 knots—the pilot initiated the approach in a normal landing configuration.
Upon touchdown, the landing gear retracted, causing the aircraft to strike the runway on its belly. The aircraft slid approximately 80 meters along the runway before coming to a halt facing north. While there were no fatalities or injuries among the three occupants, the aircraft sustained heavy damage, including impacts to the fuselage belly, the edges of both flaps, the landing gear struts, and the propeller blades.
The investigation
The Moroccan investigation board examined the wreckage and performed functional tests on the landing gear retraction system. Investigators confirmed that the hydraulic system, electrical components, and all three locking mechanisms were in good working order. No mechanical failures or hydraulic leaks were detected in the retraction circuit. The landing gear control lever was found in the "down" position.
Testing revealed that the aircraft's safety systems, including visual indicators and audible alarms designed to prevent inadvertent retraction, were fully operational. However, physical evidence on the runway, specifically scrape marks left by the gear struts, indicated that the gear was indeed retracted at the moment of impact. The investigation also noted a maintenance discrepancy: while most landing gear components were properly maintained, the nitrogen emergency struts had not been replaced according to the annual recommendation in the maintenance manual.
Findings
- The aircraft likely landed in a gear-up configuration.
- The pilot experienced attention tunneling toward the flight path and radio communications during the approach phase.
- There was an improper use of the landing checklist during the descent.
- The pilot failed to perceive the visual or audible warnings indicating the gear status.
- High traffic congestion at Tangier-Ibon Battouta Airport may have contributed to pilot fatigue and increased operational pressure.