What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-02-09 involved a aircraft, registration OB-1905, at PE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to extend the landing gear during a simulated engine failure maneuver because they were unaware of the manufacturer's required procedures, a situation exacerbated by the flight school's lack of an official Airplane Flight Manual and inadequate checklists.

Piper PA-30 gear-up landing during simulated engine failure

A flight training aircraft performed a gear-up landing at Pisco Airport after the crew failed to extend the landing gear during a simulated engine failure maneuver.

What happened

On February 9, 2011, a Piper PA-30, registration OB-1905, operated by the flight school AEROVIGIL S.A.C., was conducting a training flight at Pisco Airport, Peru. The flight involved a student pilot, an instructor, and two observers. After completing several touch-and-go landings, the instructor initiated a simulated single-engine failure maneuver on the fourth approach.

During the maneuver, the student pilot managed the remaining operational engine and configured the aircraft for landing. However, as the aircraft approached the runway, the landing gear was not extended. Upon touchdown, both propellers struck the runway surface, causing the aircraft to skid approximately 800 meters along the pavement. The instructor took control of the aircraft to maintain the centerline until it came to a complete stop. There were no injuries to the four occupants.

The investigation

The CIAA investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the impact and the operational procedures used by the crew. Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and found that the landing gear extension and retraction mechanisms were fully functional and that the gear was properly secured in its retracted position. The investigation also reviewed the flight school's documentation and the crew's checklists.

Findings

The primary cause of the incident was the failure to perform landing gear extension procedures during a simulated engine failure maneuver, resulting from the crew's lack of knowledge regarding the manufacturer's specific procedures.
The flight school, AEROVIGIL S.A.C., did not possess the official Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) for the Piper PA-30.
The crew's existing checklists did not include specific procedures for managing a simulated engine failure during an approach, nor did they include procedures for "touch-and-go" operations or testing the landing gear warning alarm.
The flight school was utilizing the Piper Owner's Handbook for instruction rather than the required technical documentation.

Safety action

The DGAC was advised to implement methods for evaluating whether flight school manuals align with manufacturer-established Flight Manuals.
The DGAC was recommended to require AEROVIGIL S.A.C. to submit an approved Training and Instruction Plan (PIE) based on the correct manufacturer documentation.
The flight school was advised to conduct refresher courses for pilots and instructors regarding updated technical documentation and standardized procedures.