On May 20, 1996, a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise (registration N724FN) operated by Bush Field Aircraft Company was involved in an aviation accident near Tyndall AFB, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow the established approach checklist resulted in the landing gear not being extended for the second approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A military aircraft experienced a belly landing at Tyndall Air Force Base following a failed approach and an oversight during the landing sequence.
What happened
During a local military mission conducted at Tyndall Air Force Base, an aircraft was performing an approach to runway 13L. The flight was interrupted when the pilot encountered conflicting traffic in the vicinity, necessitating an immediate go-around procedure.
While attempting a second approach to the same runway, the pilot did not complete the required approach checklist. As a result of this oversight, the landing gear was not deployed prior to touchdown. The aircraft struck the runway surface on its belly and eventually came to a stop on the runway. The pilot was able to exit the wreckage uninjured.
Findings
The pilot failed to execute the standard approach checklist during the second landing attempt.
Failure to lower the undercarriage was the primary reason for the landing gear-up impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to follow the established approach checklist resulted in the landing gear not being extended for the second approach.