A PA-44 instructor and student were distracted by a feathered engine in which the propeller would not unfeather. They landed gear-up following sustained 300-400 FPM descent that required landing at the nearest suitable airport.
Synopsis
A PA-44 instructor and student were distracted by a feathered engine in which the propeller would not unfeather. They landed gear-up following sustained 300-400 FPM descent that required landing at the nearest suitable airport.
Narrative
I was performing engine out procedure with a multi-engine private pilot student. During the maneuver I could not unfeather the left engine prop so I could not restart the left engine. Density altitude was reported at 3100 FT. I started the maneuver at 5000 FT MSL. After numerous attempts to restart failed; I saw we had dropped to 3000 feet MSL and were still losing about 400-500 FPM. I then decided we could not make it back to our departure airport so I opted to make an emergency landing at ZZZ. We were about 5 or 6 miles from ZZZ. My primary focus was on making it to the airport and then landing safely. I decided to save putting the gear down till the last minute because I wanted to make sure we would make the runway. Being focused on getting down safely; I overlooked putting the gear down. No gear horn warning was given. We landed gear up and slid off the side of the runway. We both walked away and nothing was damaged on the ground. The airplane damage I could see was to the right prop and engine; the left was already feathered so no damage was done to it.
Second reporter narrative
Our main concern was getting the landing right the first time as we knew a go-around would not be an option. I was watching his approach carefully to make sure he was not high or low. The final approach to landing was fine. However; we both became fixated on the landing itself. In the process we failed to put the landing gear down. The plane came to rest with the right wing tip about 10 feet from the runway.My instructor was flying the aircraft and felt responsible. However; I realize that I did nothing to reduce his work load. I could have performed a simple GUMPS check which I normally do even in a fixed gear aircraft. I believe my lack of action was due to the following factors: - Lack of confidence and experience in the aircraft- Little experience with my instructor - Lack of sleep- Having a student mentality and depending totally on my instructor
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.