What happened
On 14 May 1999, a Piper PA-34-200T, registration G-CTWW, was conducting a private flight when it encountered difficulties during its approach to Rufforth Airfield, York. While the aircraft was on final approach, the landing gear remained in the retracted position. This resulted in the aircraft making contact with the runway surface in a manner that caused significant damage to the airframe and propulsion systems. The impact caused abrasions to the fuselage belly, the nosewheel doors, and the flaps. Additionally, both propellers sustained damage, and the engines were subjected to shock-loading. There were three people on board the aircraft, including the pilot, and no injuries were reported following the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the cockpit procedures used by the crew. The investigation established that the landing gear had not been lowered prior to touchdown. The pilot, who held a private pilot's licence with IMC and night ratings, provided information regarding the sequence of events. The investigation focused on the cockpit workflow and the completion of necessary checklists during the descent and approach phases of the flight.