Gear-up landing of Socata TB20 at Filton Airport

Casualties unknown • Bristol Filton Airport, GB

A Socata TB20 aircraft experienced a landing with its landing gear retracted during a practice forced landing at Filton Airport.

What happened

On 30 May 1999, a Socata TB20, registration G-EWFN, was conducting a training flight at Filton Airport, Bristol. The flight was a private training session involving a practice forced landing maneuver onto Runway 09.

During the approach, the aircraft's landing gear remained in the retracted position. As a result, the aircraft made contact with the runway surface with the gear up, causing minor damage to the propeller and the underside of the fuselage. The aircraft traveled approximately 150 metres along the runway before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.

The investigation

Following the incident, the AAIB examined the circumstances surrounding the landing. The investigation established that the pilot failed to complete the required pre-landing checklists prior to touchdown. This omission resulted in the failure to identify that the landing gear had not been extended for the landing.

Probable cause

The landing gear was not extended because the necessary pre-landing checks were not performed by the pilot.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-05-30 SOCATA TB20 accident near Bristol Filton Airport, GB?

A Socata TB20 aircraft experienced a landing with its landing gear retracted during a practice forced landing at Filton Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-05-30 involved a SOCATA TB20, registration G-EWFN, at Bristol Filton Airport, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The landing gear was not extended because the necessary pre-landing checks were not performed by the pilot.

Loading the flight search…