What happened
On 19 February 2000, a Cessna F177RG, registration G-AYSY, was performing a private ferry flight from Meppershall Airfield to Denham Aerodrome. The flight included a brief stop at Elstree Aerodrome to disembark a passenger. While weather conditions remained favorable, visibility was decreasing due to the approaching dusk.
During the approach to Runway 06 at Denham, the pilot communicated "Final, Green Light" to the airfield controller. While on final approach, the pilot attempted to adjust interior cockpit lighting and activate the landing light. Following touchdown, a loud noise indicated that the aircraft had struck the runway with its landing gear retracted. There were no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the underside, and the engine suffered a shockload.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the pilot's cockpit actions and the functionality of the aircraft's warning systems. The pilot noted that the landing gear warning horn had failed to sound during the approach. It was established that the horn had previously been subject to intermittent contact issues, which had been addressed through adjustments, but it remained inoperative at the time of the accident.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's sequence of checks. The pilot indicated that the necessity of managing the landing light and interior illumination led to an incomplete pre-landing checklist. There was also a possibility that the pilot may have accidentally moved the landing gear lever with his arm while reaching for the light switch.
Findings
- The pilot failed to perform the standard landing gear position check during the final stages of the approach due to distraction by cockpit lighting adjustments.
- The pilot's focus on the landing light and interior lights interrupted the normal completion of pre-landing procedures.
- The landing gear warning horn was not functioning, which prevented the pilot from receiving an audible alert that the gear was not down.
- The pilot may have inadvertently moved the gear lever while adjusting the landing light switch.