Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA98LA223

MIAMI, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N110GC

Mitsubishi MU-2

Analysis

The pilot reported the flight was normal until the touchdown at the destination airport. According to him, 'the wheels were up,' and he landed on the belly. He further said all indications were that he, 'did not switch the wheels down.' The pilot did not give any indication that at anytime during the approach, he did or did not use a checklist. The pilot stated he thought he put the landing gear down; when asked if he used a checklist the pilot said he had a checklist in front of him but he, 'must have missed it.' The pilot stated during his descent he noticed his airspeed was higher than normal, and he continued the approach to landing until the belly of the airplane came in contact with the ground.

Factual Information

On August 8, 1998, about 1202 eastern daylight time, a Mitsubishi MU-2, N110GC, registered to Engineered Products Company Inc, landed gear up at Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport, Miami, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and 3 passengers reported no injuries. The flight had originated from San Juan, Puerto Rico, at approximately 0830. The pilot reported the flight from "Puerto Rico to Miami all normal; until touch down when the wheels were up and I land[ed] on the belly of the aircraft all indicted[sic] that I did not switch the wheels down." The pilot did not give any indication that at any time during the approach, he did or did not use a checklist. In a telephone conversation on August 27 1998, the pilot stated he thought he had put the landing gear down; when asked if he used a checklist, the pilot said, "he had a checklist in front of him but he must have missed it." The pilot stated during his descent he noticed his airspeed was higher than normal, and he continued the approach to landing until the belly of the airplane came in contact with the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to use a checklist and ensure that the landing gear was down and locked during approach to landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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