History of the Flight
The aircraft, a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II (G-BOWE), was returning from a training flight to the west of Oxford Airport on 10 September 2008. The student pilot occupied the left seat while an instructor sat in the right seat. They joined the circuit on a right base leg for Runway 19. The weather was good, with a surface wind from 200° at 11 kt, visibility greater than 10 km, a few clouds at 1,500 ft, a temperature of 16°C, and dew point of 13°C.
The aircraft was positioned behind another aircraft on an ILS approach, resulting in a high final approach. The instructor later reported that the aircraft was at 1,500 ft QNH (approximately 1,230 ft agl) while 2.7 nm from the airfield beacon. The indicated airspeed was 115 kt, and the landing checks—which include flaps and landing gear—had not been completed. The instructor told the student to reduce airspeed and lower full landing flap when the IAS dropped below 107 kt. To expedite, the instructor lowered 25° of flap, then full flap at 107 kt, instructing the student to stabilize the IAS at 85 kt. The student attempted this by closing the throttles to 15 inches of MAP and raising the nose.
The instructor was aware that the landing gear was not in the DOWN position but decided to allow the student to continue the approach. He focused on teaching the ‘point and power’ technique rather than having the student perform large pitch changes. As the aircraft neared the threshold, the instructor told the student to set 15 inches MAP and fly level. The instructor then realized the aircraft was too low, and before he could apply full power and execute a go-around, the propeller tips contacted the runway surface. The instructor closed the throttles, and the aircraft settled onto the runway.
Damage and Injuries
Neither pilot nor the passenger were injured. Both propellers were severely damaged, and the engines were shockloaded. There was light damage to the underside of the aircraft and the left flap. After isolating the fuel and electrical systems, the occupants vacated the aircraft through the normal exit. The airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting Service attended immediately.
The aircraft is fitted with a landing gear audio warning that activates if the landing gear is not down when MAP is reduced below 14 inches. At no time during the approach was the audio warning heard.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, manufactured in 1978, was powered by two Continental Motors Corp TSIO-360-EB piston engines. The commander, aged 63, held an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence and had 8,700 total flying hours, of which 3,500 were on type. His last 90 days included 118 hours, and the last 28 days included 39 hours.