What happened
On 5 February 2000, a Cessna 310Q, registration G-EGEE, was conducting a private VFR flight from Shoreham to Coventry Airport. While approaching Runway 23, the pilot was following a Cessna 172 and was tasked with maintaining separation. During the approach, the pilot performed necessary checks but failed to verify that the three green landing gear indicator lights were illuminated, as his attention was focused on the preceding aircraft.
As the pilot prepared for landing by reducing power and extending flaps, he noted the closing distance to the C172 and considered a potential go-around. Following a touch-and-go by the lead aircraft, the pilot received clearance to land. It was only at this moment that the pilot noticed the landing gear lights did not show the required 'three greens' configuration. In an attempt to execute an immediate go-around, the pilot applied full power; however, the tips of both propellers struck the runway surface. The contact left approximately 30 strike marks over a distance of 40 to 45 meters and caused the propeller tips to bend.
Unaware of the strike, the pilot continued the circuit, eventually lowering the gear on the downwind leg. After a successful landing and taxiing to the parking area, the pilot discovered the damage to the propellers upon engine shutdown.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's actions regarding the landing gear selector switch and the sequence of events leading to the runway contact. The aircraft was equipped with a three-position landing gear selector switch, which includes a central position used for emergency gear lowering. The investigation established that the pilot had inadvertently selected this central position during the initial approach while monitoring traffic.
Findings
- The pilot failed to verify the landing gear position via the green indicator lights during the approach.
- The pilot's attention was divided by the need to monitor the preceding Cessna 172.
- The landing gear selector was inadvertently left in the central emergency position rather than the fully down position.
- The propeller strike occurred because the pilot applied full power for a go-around before the gear was confirmed as locked.