What happened
On 31 May 2009, a Cessna 310R, registration G-RODD, was conducting a local private flight near Downham Market, Norfolk. During the approach to the grass-surfaced Ladydrove Airstrip, the aircraft settled onto its belly rather than its wheels. Following the impact, the pilot realized that the landing gear warning horn had been sounding, indicating that the landing gear had not been lowered.
At the time of the incident, the pilot was flying with the cockpit quarter window open because a headset had not been taken for the flight. Communication with other aircraft was being managed via a loudspeaker tuned to a local frequency.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the state of the aircraft following the event. The aircraft sustained damage to both the propellers and the fuselage. Additionally, the two Continental Motors Corp IO-520-M piston engines experienced shockloading as a result of the landing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to touchdown.
- The pilot was aware of the landing gear warning horn during the landing sequence but did not take corrective action before the aircraft made contact with the ground.