Investigation number
196904736
Occurrence date
Location
Mount Magnet
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wheels up landing
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

As the speed of the aircraft was too high for the undercarriage to be lowered while downwind, the pilot
waited until he was turning onto base leg before moving the undercarriage selector from the "UP" detent.
Partial flap was lowered while on the base leg and full flap during an intentional long final approach. This
approach had been chosen to enable the pilot to check on a suspected malfunctioning of the electrical trim
actuator. No final cockpit checks, as required by the Company Operations Manual, were made during the
approach. Some engine power was used throughout the approach and the landing gear warning horn did not
sound before the aircraft contacted the runway with the landing gear retracted. The undercarriage selector
lever was found in the "neutral" position and subsequent electrical tests of the undercarriage system proved
it to be serviceable.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-24
Registration
VH-RTF
Operation type
Charter
Departure point
Glen Homestead
Departure time
1056
Destination
Mount Magnet
Damage
Substantial