Synopsis
A Piper PA-32RT-300 Cherokee Lance II, registration G-RHHT, was involved in a gear-up landing at Spanhoe Airfield on 14 July 2009. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, underside of fuselage, and a dent in the wing. The pilot, who was the only occupant, was not injured.
History of the Flight
According to the pilot's report, the flight began with a daily check of the aircraft, followed by engine start and taxi to the refuelling point where 69 litres were uplifted. After post-start-up and pre-departure checks, the pilot obtained ATC approval and departed for the destination airfield. When approximately 3 miles from the destination, the pilot carried out the downwind checks, which should have included lowering the landing gear. At about 300 ft on final approach, the pilot selected the final stage of flap. Retrospectively, the pilot could not recall checking that the three green landing gear 'down and locked' lights were illuminated. During the flare, the propeller struck the runway. The aircraft skidded on its lower fuselage in a fairly straight line for about 400 yards before coming to a halt. Before stopping, the right wing impacted a low-level light, which spun the aircraft to the right. The pilot exited the aircraft without injury.
Damage
The damage consisted of damage to the propeller, the underside of the fuselage, and a dent in the wing.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 52 years old. Total flying experience was 311 hours, of which 95 hours were on type. In the last 90 days, the pilot had flown 5 hours, and in the last 28 days, 1 hour.