Introduction
On 30 December 2007, a Piper PA-24-250 Comanche, registration N7348P, was involved in an accident at Retford (Gamston) Airport, Nottinghamshire. The aircraft, manufactured in 1961 and powered by a single Lycoming O-540 piston engine, was conducting a private flight. The pilot, aged 73, held a Private Pilot’s Licence with 1,152 total flying hours, of which 310 were on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 14 hours, and in the last 28 days, less than one hour. One passenger was on board; neither occupant was injured.
Flight Details
The pilot departed from Netherthorbe with the intention of collecting two colleagues at Gamston before proceeding to Le Touquet. Upon arriving at Gamston, he joined a right-hand downwind for Runway 21 and completed the downwind checks, which included lowering the landing gear. He was then instructed to stand off for 5 to 10 minutes to allow a runway inspection to be completed. The pilot left the circuit to the west and raised the landing gear. Once informed that the runway was clear, he re‑joined on the right base leg and performed a normal approach.
The Accident
On touchdown, the pilot realised that the landing gear had not been lowered. The aircraft landed with the landing gear retracted. Damage was limited to the propeller, belly skin aft of the cabin area, and the underbelly antennae. The aircraft was subsequently lifted by a crane, after which the landing gear could be lowered normally. The pilot considered that he had not lowered the landing gear.