Aviation Accident Summary WPR13CA021

Lake Tahoe, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N7950P

PIPER PA24

Analysis

The pilot reported that he aborted a landing due to traffic on the active runway and retracted the landing gear. He stated that on the second approach to land he carried extra power because of the gusty wind conditions, but during the landing flare, he realized that he had failed to extend the landing gear. After he realized that the landing gear was not extended, the pilot added full power; however, the airplane impacted the runway with the landing gear in the retracted position. The pilot stated that he did not follow the checklist and that he did not hear the landing gear warning horn during his approach. When informed that the throttle position to activate the landing gear warning horn was only about 1/2 inch forward of the full aft idle position, the pilot indicated that he had not retarded the throttle that far. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its undercarriage as a result of the abnormal runway contact.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that he retracted the landing gear following an aborted landing due to traffic on the active runway. He stated that on his second approach he carried power due to the gusty wind condition, but during the landing flare he realized that he had failed to extend the landing gear. The pilot further said that after he realized that the landing gear was not extended he added full power; however, the airplane impacted the runway with the landing gear in the retracted position. He added that he did not follow the checklist and that he did not hear the landing gear warning horn during his approach. When informed that the throttle position to activate the landing gear warning horn was only about one-half inch beyond the full aft idle position, the pilot indicated that he had not retarded the throttle that far. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its undercarriage as a result of the abnormal runway contact.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was extended before landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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