What happened
On October 12, 2013, a Cessna 210N, registration PT-LVJ, departed from Varginha Aerodrome (SBVG) in Minas Gerais, bound for Ubatuba (SDUB). The flight carried a pilot and one passenger. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot decided to return to Varginha to perform a touch-and-go maneuver before continuing to the destination.
During the final approach for the touch-and-go, the aircraft contacted the runway with its landing gear in the retracted position. The impact caused substantial damage to the propeller and the lower fuselage, and resulted in a sudden engine stoppage. Despite the impact, both occupants of the aircraft remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and up-to-date maintenance records for the engine, propeller, and airframe. The pilot held valid medical and technical certifications, and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits.
Investigators determined that the pilot failed to use the aircraft's checklist during the approach. Furthermore, the pilot's attention was diverted by a conversation with the passenger, leading to the failure to extend and verify the position of the landing gear.
Findings
- The pilot's failure to use the checklist and the subsequent oversight regarding the landing gear configuration.
- Distraction caused by conversation with the passenger during a critical phase of flight.
- The landing gear remained retracted during the touchdown on the runway center.