What happened
On June 30, 2014, a Cessna 510, registration PR-ROD, was performing a flight from Galeão Airport (SBGL) to Pampulha Aerodrome (SBBH) to transport a passenger. During the approach to runway 13, the pilot failed to command the extension of the landing gear.
As the aircraft neared the runway threshold, the pilot realized the gear was still retracted and immediately initiated a go-around. However, the underside of the fuselage made superficial contact with the runway surface before the aircraft could climb away. Following the go-around, the pilot entered the traffic pattern, successfully extended the landing gear, and completed a normal landing. The aircraft sustained light damage to the flap joints, ventral fin, and communication antennas, while the pilot and passenger remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on why the landing gear was not extended and why the cockpit warning system did not alert the pilot sooner. The investigation established that the pilot was attempting to mitigate a delay caused by a late departure, driven by the pressure of maintaining a specific arrival slot during the 201 and 14 FIFA World Cup.
To maintain high speed and meet the schedule, the pilot conducted the approach with the flaps retracted. This decision meant that the engine power remained high enough to prevent the landing gear warning horn from activating. The alarm only triggered when the pilot reduced power near the runway threshold, which was too late to prevent the initial contact with the ground. Tests conducted during the investigation confirmed that the landing gear system and the audible warning horn were fully functional.
Findings
- The pilot forgot to extend the landing gear and failed to verify the gear position lights during the approach.
- Inadequate pilot judgment was demonstrated by the decision to fly the approach with flaps retracted to maintain high speed, a procedure typically reserved for emergencies or training.
- High operational motivation to avoid penalties or delays related to flight slot constraints contributed to the error.
- The removal of the requirement to report landing gear status to Air Traffic Services (ATS) in updated regulations may have removed a critical procedural safeguard against such omissions.