What happened
During a scheduled training session at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the crew of 5H-PAC, an aircraft type, was performing various flight maneuvers including stalls, level flight exercises, and unusual attitude training. Following these maneuvers, the flight returned to the airport to conduct VOR/ILS approaches and touch-and-go operations on runway 09.
The final training maneuver involved a simulated engine failure following takeoff, which required an overshoot to runway 27. Despite a surface wind of 090 degrees at 8 knots, the aircraft was cleared to land on runway 27. Air traffic control reported that the final approach appeared stable with the landing gear extended. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold at approximately 70 feet, the pilot maintained a straight and level attitude, but the landing gear was retracted.
The aircraft continued along the runway for roughly 1.5 kilometers before drifting toward the right side of the pavement. During this excursion, the aircraft experienced a violent yaw. The aircraft eventually struck a grass hedge and slid across the width of taxiway Y before coming to a stop. While fuel spillage occurred, no fire was reported. The two pilots involved sustained facial injuries because they were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the impact.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating with the landing gear retracted during the landing phase.
- The crew was performing simulated engine failure maneuvers involving runway overshoots.
- The pilot attempted to regain control during the yawing motion, but recovery was not possible before the impact.