Wheels up landing involving a Beech Aircraft Corp 58, VH-BWJ, Wickham, Western Australia, on 25 November 1993

199303910

Summary

The pilot forgot to select the landing gear down before landing and the aircraft touched down with its gear retracted. The pilot reported that he was under a number of pressures which may have contributed to his forgetfulness. His sleep the night before the accident was disturbed and he had accumulated a delay in his tasking during the progress of several flights prior to the accident landing. One of the passengers on the accident flight was a high-profile local identity.

His presence may have influenced the pilot's decision to continue the approach to landing after finding that the approach was faster and higher than normal. The landing gear warning horn did not sound because the warning horn circuit breaker had been pulled by the pilot. The pilot had developed this habit whilst flying in another aircraft where the warning system was operating incorrectly.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199303910
Occurrence date 25/11/1993
Location Wickham
State Western Australia
Report release date 05/04/1994
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Wheels up landing
Occurrence class Accident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Beech Aircraft Corp
Model 58
Registration VH-BWJ
Sector Piston
Departure point Pannawonica WA
Destination Wickham WA
Damage Substantial