No fatalities

1993-10-19: Swearingen SA226 Metro II (EC-FHB) — Swiftair — Madrid-Barajas-Adolfo Suárez, Spain

Madrid-Barajas-Adolfo Suárez, SpainLanding (descent or approach)

On October 19, 1993, a Swearingen SA226 Metro II (registration EC-FHB) operated by Swiftair was involved in an aviation accident near Madrid-Barajas-Adolfo Suárez, Spain during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to follow the approach checklist and to lower the gear. The alarm coupled to the undercarriage sounded but neither pilot heard it, and no corrective action was made. The crew was apparently distracted by heavy traffic. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781209551Data APIEditorial standards

During a night approach, a cargo aircraft landed with its gear retracted after the crew failed to lower it, resulting in a belly landing. Both pilots were uninjured but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Introduction

A cargo aircraft conducting a routine night flight from Palma de Mallorca experienced an accident during its arrival at Madrid-Barajas Airport. The aircraft ended up resting on its belly after the landing gear was not deployed.

Flight Details

The flight was uneventful until the approach phase. The crew had begun a night approach to the airport. No issues were reported prior to the final descent.

Accident Sequence

During the final approach, the crew neglected to extend the landing gear. As a result, the aircraft touched down on its fuselage, sliding for several dozen meters before coming to a stop. An alarm designed to alert the crew about the undercarriage position activated in the cockpit, but neither the pilot nor the copilot perceived it, and no corrective action was taken.

Aftermath

Both pilots evacuated the aircraft unharmed. The aircraft itself sustained extensive damage and was deemed beyond economical repair.

Probable Cause

The official findings indicate that the crew failed to follow the approach checklist and did not lower the landing gear. The undercarriage alarm sounded but was not heard by either pilot, and the crew was apparently distracted by heavy traffic during the approach.