Background
On 18 February 2021, a T-38A Talon, tail number 64-13304, assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, California, was conducting a day training mission. The flight included practice maneuvers in a local military operating area and practice landings at Sacramento Mather Airport.
Sequence of Events
The mishap instructor pilot (MIP) flew the first approach and executed an uneventful touch-and-go landing on Runway 22 Left. The mishap pilot (MP) then flew a second practice approach and attempted a touch-and-go. After touching down, the MP initiated the takeoff portion of the maneuver, advancing the throttles and raising the landing gear lever. As the gear began to retract, the aircraft descended toward the runway. The MP briefly lowered the lever before raising it again. The main landing gear contacted the runway in a partially extended position approximately 2,320 feet from the approach end. The gear collapsed, and the aircraft settled onto the runway. The impact caused a hydraulic system failure and fire in the right main landing gear bay. The aircraft slid on its fuselage before stopping approximately 6,170 feet from the approach end. Both pilots egressed with no injuries as emergency crews extinguished the fire. Total damage to the aircraft was $3,001,563.
Cause
The Accident Investigation Board determined that the cause of the mishap was the MP prematurely raising the landing gear lever during the touch-and-go landing maneuver. The MP failed to follow correct procedures, which require the landing gear to be raised only when definitely airborne and a positive rate of climb is established. The premature retraction resulted in the aircraft impacting the runway without the landing gear fully extended, leaving no opportunity for the MIP to intervene. Additionally, the MP’s misperception of an established positive climb rate substantially contributed to the mishap.