What happened
On 2 October 2000, a Piper PA-2-8R-200, registration G-BMKK, was conducting a private cross-country flight from Blackpool to Southampton. As the aircraft approached Runway 20 at Southampton Airport, the pilot was instructed by Air Traffic Control to perform several orbits to facilitate traffic spacing. During this period of maneuvering, the pilot's workload increased.
While attempting a straight-in approach, the aircraft touched down on the runway with the landing gear in the retracted position. The pilot reported that an Air Traffic Control go-around instruction was issued only seconds before the aircraft made contact with the runway, leaving no time for a response. There were no injuries resulting from the incident, though the aircraft sustained abrasion to the underside of the fuselage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's landing gear systems and warning mechanisms. The Piper PA-28R-200 is equipped with a gear warning horn and light that activate when the throttle is retarded below approximately 14 inches of manifold pressure. Additionally, the aircraft features an emergency system designed to lower the gear at speeds below 90 kt with power off, provided the emergency lever is not in the override position.
Upon inspection, the landing gear system and the warning horn were found to be functioning normally. However, the investigation revealed that the emergency gear lever had been set to the override position, which prevented the automatic gear extension system from operating. The pilot noted that he had not noticed the lever's position during the flight and that a check of this specific lever was not included in the checklist he was utilizing.
Findings
- The pilot's attention was diverted from pre-landing checks due to increased workload caused by approach interruptions and orbiting.
- The emergency gear lever was in the override position, which deactivated the automatic gear extension system.
- The pilot did not observe any warning lights or hear the warning horn prior to touchdown.