Investigation number
199700196
Occurrence date
State
South Australia
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wheels up landing
Occurrence class
Accident

The pilot stated that he had experienced a landing gear retraction problem the previous week which was checked by an LAME but no faults found. On the day of the occurrence he decided to fly a circuit to verify the landing gear operation. After takeoff the landing gear retracted normally. The pilot continued with the circuit, maintaining separation with an ultralight aircraft also operating in the circuit area. On the downwind leg the pilot reported the aircraft suffered a radio problem which he attempted to rectify while still maintaining a lookout for the ultralight aircraft. This allowed his attention to be diverted from operating the aircraft and failure to carry out the pre-landing checks, including landing gear extension, resulting in a wheels up landing.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-34-200T
Registration
VH-CGS
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Murray Bridge SA
Destination
Murray Bridge SA
Damage
Substantial