Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-28R-201 Cherokee Arrow III, registration G-MEME, manufactured in 1990. It was powered by one Lycoming IO-360-C1C6 piston engine. The pilot, aged 54, held a Private Pilot's Licence with an IMC Rating and had a total flying experience of 504 hours, of which 378 were on type. His recent flying included 6 hours in the last 90 days and none in the last 28 days.
Accident Details
On 6 January 2003 at 1345 UTC, the pilot was conducting a circuit and landing at Bodmin Airfield, Cornwall. Runway 13 (grass) was in use, with the surface wind from 090° at 15 kt. During the circuit, the pilot focused on flying an accurate pattern. On the downwind leg, he made a position report radio call but omitted the landing gear down selection from his checks. On base leg, he selected two stages of flap (25°). On final approach, he attempted to select full flap (40°), but the flap lever did not latch and sprang back to the first stage position (10°). The pilot made at least one further attempt but could only achieve 25° of flap.
Landing Sequence and Damage
During the flare, the aircraft floated longer than usual before contacting the ground on the underside of the fuselage, then sliding to a halt on the runway. The landing gear was not extended. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine, flaps, and underside of the fuselage. The pilot reported no injuries to himself.
Pilot's Report and Warning System
The pilot stated that his attempts to obtain full flap distracted him, causing him to miss his final approach check of the landing gear green lights. The aircraft is equipped with a landing gear warning horn and red warning light, which activate when power is reduced below 14 inches of manifold pressure and/or when flaps extend beyond the approach position (10°) with the landing gear not down and locked. The pilot did not recall any warning sounding. The warning system was to be tested during the aircraft's repair.
Investigation Information
The source of information was an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot.