What happened
On May 31, 2018, a Diamond DA42, registration EC-KQU, was conducting a flight for the purpose of revalidating multi-engine piston (MEP) and instrument (IR) ratings. The flight originated from Cuatro Vientos Airport (Madrid) and proceeded to the Ocaña aerodrome (Toledo) to perform a series of takeoffs and landings using various flap configurations.
During the third and final landing attempt of the session, the examiner instructed the pilot to perform a landing without flaps. During this maneuver, the crew failed to ensure that the landing gear was extended and locked. The aircraft touched down on the runway without the gear deployed, sliding approximately 494 meters along the pavement. The impact caused damage to the propellers and the underside of the fuselage. Both crew members were uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight procedures, the experience of the crew, and the use of checklists. It was established that the pilot undergoing revalidation had significant military flight experience but had not flown this specific aircraft type for a year. The examiner, despite having extensive experience, did not verify the gear status.
Investigators found that the crew was performing checklist items from memory rather than physically verifying them. Although an audible warning alarm sounded when the power was reduced during the final approach, the aircraft was at too low an altitude for the gear to fully deploy and lock before touchdown.