What happened
On 8 November 2008, a Cessna F406 Caravan II, registration N17CK, was performing a private VFR flight from St Thomas Airport, US Virgin Islands, to Tortola, British Virgin Islands. During the approach to Terrance Lettsome Airport, the pilot requested a wind check and was cleared to land.
Upon touchdown on Runway 07, the aircraft's propellers struck the runway surface, causing the engines to immediately cut out. The aircraft subsequently slid a short distance before coming to rest on its fuselage. The pilot promptly shut down all switches and vacated the aircraft. Following the incident, emergency services observed fluid leaking from both engines.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's configuration and mechanical systems. Although the landing gear lever was found in the DOWN position, the aircraft's landing gear and flaps were physically in the retracted position at the time of the accident. Post-accident testing of the landing gear and flap systems confirmed that both operated normally and provided correct cockpit indications.
An inspection of the aircraft's underside revealed significant damage. Both propellers suffered severe damage from runway contact, and the inboard lower surfaces of the flaps were heavily worn by the runway. Additionally, several aerials were torn from the fuselage, and the wing centre box skin had been abraded. The investigation also noted that the pilot's operating handbook and checklist manual were in poor condition, with missing or illegible pages.
Findings
- The aircraft likely landed with the landing gear inadvertently left in the retracted position.
- The landing gear configuration warning horn was functional, but the pilot likely did not hear it because his attention was focused on the impact and engine failure.
- The landing gear and flap systems were mechanically sound and showed no operational faults.
- The damage to the flaps was consistent with them being in a retracted position during the slide.