What happened
On 17 August 1998, a Piper PA-28R-200, registration G-MEAH, was engaged in a private flight training session at Stapleford Tawney Airfield in Essex. The flight involved an instructor providing instruction to a qualified pilot on the technique of glide approach landings.
During the flight, the crew encountered strong crosswinds at circuit height. To manage the conditions and extend the glide distance, the decision was made to delay the selection of the landing gear until after the completion of the base leg. While the initial approach was completed successfully, a failure occurred during the second attempt. The pilot under instruction did not lower the landing gear, resulting in a wheels-up landing.
The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft's propeller, flaps, and fuselage, and the engine sustained shock loading. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the sequence of the landing approach and the cockpit procedures used during the training maneuver. The investigation established that the crew had intentionally delayed gear selection due to environmental conditions, but the critical step of extending the gear was missed during the second approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the instructor's failure to monitor the actions of the pilot under instruction.
- The landing gear was not extended prior to touchdown.
- Strong crosswinds at circuit height had influenced the decision to delay gear selection to maintain glide distance.