What happened
A training flight involving a crew of two was conducting a series of maneuvers at Belfast International Airport. The flight, involving G-OPFE, an Embraer ERJ-145, was part of a training detail for a first officer transitioning to the left-hand seat. After completing initial flight requirements, the crew prepared for a second flight leg. Following a takeoff from Runway 07, the training captain simulated an engine failure, leading to a successful go-around and subsequent approach using a VOR procedure.
During the final approach to Runway 07, the crew established contact with Aldergrove radar and was cleared for a VOR/DLR approach. While the crew completed the initial approach checks, there was no evidence that the subsequent 'Finals' checks were performed. During the flare, as the throttles were reduced, the gear warning horn sounded. Approximately 23 seconds later, the propellers made contact with the runway surface. The aircraft came to a stop, and the crew successfully evacuated the aircraft. The airport rescue services responded to the scene in under one minute.
Findings
- The crew completed the initial approach checks but failed to perform or verify the 'Finals' checks.
- The landing gear was not confirmed as down, which is a standard part of the 'Finals' checklist.
- The 0 fatalities were reported following the incident, though the aircraft sustained damage during the propeller strike.