What happened
On March 30, 2010, a privately operated Rockwell Aero Commander 500S, registration N504AP, performed a gear-up landing on Runway 32 at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas. The flight had originated from Freeport International Airport under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
During the approach and landing, the aircraft's landing gear was not extended. The aircraft impacted the runway approximately 1,666 feet beyond the threshold near intersection Alpha. The contact with the runway caused significant damage to the left engine and propeller, as well as damage to the underside of the fuselage extending from behind the cockpit to the aft cabin bulkhead. There were no injuries reported during the event.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the Air Accident Investigation and Prevention Unit (AAIPU) examined the aircraft's configuration and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators confirmed that the cockpit indication showed the gear handle had not been moved to the down position.
Meteorological data indicated that while the weather was within Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), there were unusually high crosswinds present. The pilot noted that these wind conditions may have prevented him from hearing the landing gear warning horn.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was pilot distraction, which led to the failure to extend the landing gear before touchdown.
- High crosswinds during the landing phase may have contributed to the pilot's failure to perceive the audible gear warning.
- The aircraft was properly certificated, and the pilot held a valid commercial pilot certificate with no known medical restrictions.