Occurrence
On September 30, 2016, a Beechcraft 1900C aircraft, registration N376SA, operated by Southern Air Charter Company Limited, conducted a scheduled domestic commercial flight to Deadman's Cay Airport, Long Island, Bahamas. The aircraft carried two pilots and nine passengers. During landing on runway 09, the aircraft touched down with the landing gear retracted, resulting in a wheels-up landing. No injuries were reported among occupants.
Flight Sequence
The captain reported that approximately 10 nautical miles from the airport, when flaps were selected to the approach position, the system did not respond. The crew decided to continue the approach using a no-flap landing procedure as outlined in the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and performance manuals. Both pilots stated that they selected the landing gear down and observed three green lights indicating down and locked. However, upon touchdown, the gear retracted and the propellers contacted the runway.
Witness Accounts
Two eyewitnesses at the airport observed the aircraft approaching with the landing gear retracted. One witness attempted to call the airline agent to alert the pilots, but the call was not answered initially, and subsequent calls were received after the aircraft had already landed. The witnesses declined to provide written statements but spoke freely to police and investigators.
Investigation Findings
Interviews with the pilots revealed conflicting accounts of the events on the flight deck. The Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), which would have provided an aural alert for unsafe landing configuration, was found to be inoperative. The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) was secured, but analysis suggested a possible intentional complete dump of its data. Photographic evidence of the runway showed no tire marks or gouges consistent with a gear collapse, supporting the conclusion that the landing gear was never extended.
Manufacturer consultation indicated that for the green down-and-lock lights to illuminate, the landing gear drag braces must be in the over-center position; thus, a simultaneous retraction of all gears after indication was deemed practically inconceivable.
Findings
The investigation determined that the flight crew failed to extend the landing gear prior to landing. Contributing factors included an inoperative GPWS, inoperative flaps, and unknown distractions during the approach. Both pilots provided differing accounts of their actions.
Safety Actions
In response, the Bahamian aviation authority re-examined both pilots for fitness to hold licenses. The captain's check airman authorization was revoked effective December 2, 2016. The operator removed both pilots from active duty pending re-examination.