What happened
On February 27, 2013, a Piper PA-24 Comanche, registration CX-AXZ, was conducting a local training flight at the Aeroclub de Canelones in Uruguay. The pilot had been performing various maneuvers near a nearby lake and was executing a series of touch-and-go procedures on runway 27. During the final approach, the pilot shortened the circuit due to the presence of another aircraft in the vicinity.
As the aircraft approached the grass runway at approximately 70 mph, the landing gear remained in the retracted position. Upon touchdown, the propeller struck the ground, and the fuselage made contact with the surface. The aircraft slid approximately 100 meters before coming to a complete stop. The pilot was able to evacuate the aircraft without injury, and no fire or damage to third parties occurred. The aircraft sustained significant damage, including propeller blade deformation and fuselage skin abrasion.
The investigation
The CIAIA investigation focused on the operational and human factors surrounding the landing. The commission examined the aircraft's maintenance status, finding that the airworthiness certificate was valid. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting that the pilot was properly rated and experienced, with approximately 300 hours in this specific aircraft type.
Investigators analyzed the aircraft's landing gear system, which is operated by an electric motor and includes visual indicators (green for down/locked, amber for up). The investigation also evaluated the pilot's use of standard operating procedures, specifically the manufacturer-provided checklists, to determine why the gear was not extended prior to landing.