On April 25, 2008, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration C-FRJE) operated by Westair Aviation (Canada) was involved in an aviation accident near Foremost, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The landing gear was not extended prior to the aircraft's impact with the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft sustained heavy damage following a belly landing at Foremost Airport after the landing gear failed to deploy.
What happened
During an approach to Foremost Airport, a twin-engine aircraft performed a landing without its landing gear extended. The aircraft impacted the runway surface in a wheels-up configuration, resulting in significant structural damage. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss, as the damage was deemed beyond repair.
At the time of the incident, the pilot was the only person on board the aircraft. Despite the impact of the landing, the pilot escaped the wreckage without any injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the incident indicate that the landing gear had not been deployed prior to touchdown. The specific reason why the gear remained retracted during the final approach remains undetermined.
Probable cause
The landing gear was not extended prior to the aircraft's impact with the runway.