Gear-up landing during military mission at Tyndall AFB

No fatalities • Tyndall AFB, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-05-20 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident near Tyndall AFB, United States of America?

A military aircraft experienced a belly landing at Tyndall Air Force Base following a failed approach and an oversight during the landing sequence.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-05-20 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-05-20 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise, registration N724FN, operated by Bush Field Aircraft Company, at Tyndall AFB, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow the established approach checklist resulted in the landing gear not being extended for the second approach.

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