AAIB investigation to Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R, G-LARE

Touched down with undercarriage retracted, Biggin Hill Airport, 15 September 2017.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 8 February 2018

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 15 September 2017
• Aircraft type: Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R
• Location: Biggin Hill Airport, Bromley
• Registration: G-LARE

Summary:

The pilot flying and examiner were on the final circuit of a two-hour flight to revalidate an instrument rating and a multi-engine proficiency check. Downwind, the aircraft was configured for a simulated asymmetric approach and landing, with intermediate flaps selected and undercarriage down. They were instructed by ATC to orbit to the left once, late downwind, due to two aircraft ahead of them joining the circuit to land. During the orbit the pilot flying retracted the flaps and undercarriage and neither he nor the examiner realised they were still retracted on the approach to land. During the flare the propellers and rear fuselage contacted the ground and a go-around was immediately initiated. A circuit was flown and an uneventful landing made.

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Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R, G-LARE 02-18

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Published 8 February 2018