History of the Flight
Following an annual inspection, the pilot and two passengers (also pilots) boarded Rockwell Commander 112, registration G-BDLT, for a series of circuits before departing to Berry Head. On the first circuit, half-way down the downwind leg with checks completed, the pilot was requested by ATC to orbit to the right before being cleared to finals. After three orbits, clearance was received and the first circuit was completed without incident.
The Accident
On the second circuit, the pilot was again asked by ATC to orbit to the right, this time at the beginning of the downwind leg as checks were started. After three or four orbits, clearance was given and the pilot requested a full-stop landing. The remaining downwind checks were completed, and the aircraft continued to land. However, the pilot had omitted to lower the landing gear, resulting in the aircraft scraping to a halt on the runway. No fire occurred, and the occupants evacuated normally.
Contributory Factors
The interruption of the downwind checks appears to have caused the pilot to omit lowering the gear. The aircraft was equipped with a warning horn that sounds when the throttle is closed, flaps are extended more than 15°, and the landing gear is not extended. During the recovery operation, the horn sounded when electrical power was reapplied, indicating it was serviceable. The pilot commented that wearing noise-cancelling headphones, he did not notice the horn.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the nose cowling, exhaust, and propeller, and both steps were worn down.