What happened
On 23 May 2008, a Piper PA-28R-201T Turbo Cherokee Arrow III, registration G-BNNX, was conducting a training flight at Bristol Airport. The flight involved an instructor and a student pilot performing instructional circuits. During the fifth circuit, specifically while on the base leg, the student pilot announced the intention to extend the landing gear.
As the aircraft progressed to the final approach, the student performed the standard checks. However, the student's hand obscured the view of the landing gear position indicators. Consequently, the instructor was unable to visually confirm the three green 'down-and-locked' lights.
The aircraft subsequently touched down on Runway 09 with the landing gear not selected down. The underside of the fuselage scraped along the runway surface before the aircraft reached a rapid stop. Both the instructor and the student evacuated the aircraft safely, and no injuries were reported.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing gear extension and the visual verification process during the final approach. The examination established that the aircraft's engine sustained a shock load, and there was significant damage to both the propeller and the fuselage. The investigation also reviewed the cockpit procedures and the visibility of the landing gear indicators during the student's check.
Findings
- The landing gear was not extended prior to touchdown.
- The student pilot's hand obstructed the view of the landing gear position indicators during the final checks.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, fuselage, and engine due to the gear-up landing.