What happened
On October 30, 2013, a Beechcraft BE-58, registration PT-ICT, was performing an IFR flight from Palmas, TO, to São Luís, MA, carrying two crew members and four passengers. During the initial approach to runway 06 at Marechal Cunha Machado Airport, the commander executed a go-around after determining the aircraft was unstable.
Following the missed approach, the aircraft was instructed by São Luís Approach (APP-SL) to enter a holding pattern in the North sector. During this period, the crew experienced significant workload due to the reconfiguration of the aircraft following the go-around. Furthermore, a communication gap occurred because the audio volume for the primary radio frequency was set too low, preventing the crew from hearing several attempts by Approach to contact them. This situation was not corrected until approximately five minutes after the crew was instructed to switch frequencies.
Upon receiving authorization to land approximately twenty minutes later, the crew reported to the Tower that the landing gear was "down and locked." However, the aircraft actually landed with the gear retracted. The aircraft slid approximately 400 meters along the runway centerline. There were no injuries to the six occupants and no damage to third parties, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's landing gear system and all associated warning devices. Subsequent testing conducted by an ANAC-certified maintenance facility confirmed that the landing gear actuation system, the visual green light indicators, and the audible horn warnings were all functioning normally and according to manufacturer specifications. The investigation also noted that a mirror located on the left engine nacelle, which allows for visual verification of the gear, was available for use.
Findings
- Pilot error regarding the failure to verify the landing gear position.
- High cockpit workload following the go-around and aircraft reconfiguration.
- Crew stress induced by the go-around and the communication difficulties with Approach.
- Poor cockpit coordination during the high-workload phase of the flight.
- Failure to utilize available cockpit resources, such as the landing gear checklist, visual indicators, or the engine nacelle mirror.