On April 24, 2016, a Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV (registration EC-GFK) operated by Flightline - Spain was involved in an aviation accident near Girona, Spain during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the accident was that the crew failed to actuate the lever used to deploy the landing gear. Inadequate presentation, in the operator's operating manuals, of the flight tasks to be performed by each crew member and the timing of these tasks is… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A training flight at Girona-Costa Brava resulted in a belly landing after the crew failed to deploy the landing gear. Both pilots evacuated safely, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Introduction
A local training flight operating from Girona-Costa Brava airport ended with a belly landing on the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was declared beyond repair, while both crew members evacuated without injury.
Incident Details
The flight, crewed by one pilot under supervision and one instructor, departed Girona-Costa Brava for local training. After completing two successful landings and touch-and-go manoeuvres, the crew initiated a new approach for a full stop landing. During this final approach, the landing gear was not extended. The aircraft touched down on its belly and slid for several dozen metres before coming to rest on the runway. Both pilots exited the aircraft safely.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the crew failed to actuate the lever used to deploy the landing gear, leading to the belly landing. The accident report also identified a contributing factor: the operator's operating manuals inadequately presented the flight tasks to be performed by each crew member and the timing of these tasks.
Probable cause
The cause of the accident was that the crew failed to actuate the lever used to deploy the landing gear. Inadequate presentation, in the operator's operating manuals, of the flight tasks to be performed by each crew member and the timing of these tasks is identified as a contributing factor.
