What happened
On May 11, 2021, a Cessna R182, registration LV-GUK, was conducting a local training flight departing from Presidente Perón International Airport in Neuquén, Argentina. After approximately 30 minutes of flight, the pilot attempted to land on runway 27. The aircraft struck the runway with its landing gear in the retracted position, causing the propeller to make initial contact approximately 600 meters from the runway threshold. The aircraft then slid for another 260 meters before coming to a complete stop. The impact resulted in significant damage to the airframe and propeller, as well as engine damage caused by the sudden stoppage. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft without injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on why the landing gear was not extended despite the aircraft's functional warning systems. Investigators examined the aircraft's technical state and found that the landing gear and the associated audible warning system were both fully operational. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's use of David Clark H10-13.4 headsets, which utilize passive noise reduction. It was determined that the landing gear warning alarm in this specific aircraft is broadcast through cabin speakers rather than the audio panel, meaning the sound is not transmitted directly to the pilot's headset.
Findings
- The pilot failed to complete the pre-landing checklist in its entirety, specifically omitting the steps to lower the landing gear lever and verify the green gear-down lights.
- The use of passive noise-canceling headsets likely prevented the pilot from hearing the cockpit's landing gear warning alarm.
- The aircraft's landing gear system and its audible alert mechanism were functioning correctly at the time of the event.