Event Overview
On 6 April 2013, at 12:48 UTC, a Tecnam P2006T, registration I-TELT, was on a training flight at Catania Fontanarossa airport. The aircraft was conducting touch-and-go circuits as part of a multi-engine piston (MEP) rating course. During the fourth circuit, air traffic control instructed a downwind leg extension to 5 nautical miles to allow another aircraft to depart.
Flight Details
The student pilot, who was handling the controls, decided to only partially perform the Before landing checklist checks, postponing landing gear extension to a later phase. On final approach for runway 08, the aircraft was cleared for a touch-and-go. The aircraft touched down with the landing gear retracted and slid approximately 170 meters along the runway, coming to a stop slightly left of the centerline with the nose pointing northeast.
Investigation Findings
Both the instructor and the student pilot stated that they had not completed the Before landing checklist prior to landing. They also reported that they did not hear the aural warning indicating the landing gear was not down and locked, as the sound was masked by background noise and engine rumble when wearing headsets. The investigation noted that the gear warning horn is broadcast through the cabin speaker only and is not heard through the headsets. Tests conducted during a previous similar event had shown that the warning is difficult to perceive with headsets on.
Cause
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by human factors. Specifically, the Before landing checklist checks, including landing gear extension, were not completed as required by the Aircraft Flight Manual. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. The flying training organization subsequently implemented measures to reduce the risk of gear-up landings, including enhanced recurrent training and revised checklist procedures.