Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the certified flight instructor and student pilot to complete the landing checklist resulting in a gear-up landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During an instructional flight, the flight instructor requested that the student pilot, a commercial rated pilot in the right seat, demonstrate a simulated emergency engine-out landing. The student reduced the throttle to idle, turned toward the runway, and completed the GUMPS (gas, undercarriage, mixture, propeller, seat belt and switches) checklist. The student announced that he would not lower the landing gear and flaps until the runway was assured. Once established on centerline, a final check was not completed, and the student made a gear-up landing. The lower fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
During an instructional flight, the flight instructor requested that the student pilot, a commercial rated pilot in the right seat, demonstrate a simulated emergency engine-out landing. The student reduced the throttle to idle, turned toward the runway, and completed the GUMPS (gas, undercarriage, mixture, propeller, seat belt and switches) checklist. The student announced that he would not lower the landing gear and flaps until the runway was assured. Once established on centerline, a final check was not completed, and the student made a gear-up landing. The lower fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.