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Piper PA-34-200T Gear-Up Landing at Rufforth Airfield (G-CTWW)

Rufforth Airfield, York, GB

On May 14, 1999, a PIPER PA-34-200T (registration G-CTWW) was involved in an aviation accident near Rufforth Airfield, York, GB. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot forgot to lower the landing gear due to not conducting proper downwind and final approach checks. This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On 14 May 1999, a Piper PA-34-200T (G-CTWW) landed with retracted landing gear at Rufforth Airfield. The pilot admitted forgetting to lower the gear due to omitted downwind and final approach checks. No injuries occurred.

Accident Details

On 14 May 1999 at 0933 hours UTC, a Piper PA-34-200T twin-engine aircraft, registered G-CTWW, executed a landing with the landing gear retracted at Rufforth Airfield, York. The flight was conducted under private operations. There was one crew member (the pilot) and two passengers on board; none reported injuries.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The aircraft, manufactured in 1979, was powered by two Continental LTSIO-360-EB1 piston engines. The pilot, aged 49, held a Private Pilot's Licence with Instrument Meteorological Conditions and Night Ratings. His total flying experience was 672 hours, of which 58 were on type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 10 hours; in the last 28 days, 5 hours.

Damage

The aircraft sustained abrasions to the flaps, nosewheel doors, and fuselage belly. Both propellers were damaged, and the engines experienced shock loading.

Cause

The pilot openly admitted that he forgot to lower the landing gear. He attributed this mistake to not conducting proper downwind and final approach checks.

Probable cause

The pilot forgot to lower the landing gear due to not conducting proper downwind and final approach checks.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 May 1999 PIPER PA-34-200T accident near Rufforth Airfield, York, GB?

On 14 May 1999, a Piper PA-34-200T (G-CTWW) landed with retracted landing gear at Rufforth Airfield. The pilot admitted forgetting to lower the gear due to omitted downwind and final approach checks. No injuries occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 May 1999 PIPER PA-34-200T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 May 1999 involved a PIPER PA-34-200T, registration G-CTWW, at Rufforth Airfield, York, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot forgot to lower the landing gear due to not conducting proper downwind and final approach checks.

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