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NTSB Report

July 8, 2004 · Cessna 172 RG · N6321R

Fernandina, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 8, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fernandina, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172 RG
Tail Number
N6321R
Operator
Flight Academy
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL04CA145

According to the pilot, "while I was plotting my course to make sure that [I] was going to make the runway I was calling out the items on the checklist. I was trying to take the first half of the runway and I was high on the approach. I was trying to concentrate on getting down before the point that he (check airman) pointed out. I finally was getting [down] and I had my point made until we heard a horrendous noise which was the prop hitting the pavement." Examination of the airplane revealed engine and propeller damage, firewall damage, underbelly fuselage damage as well as front doors and skin being cracked and buckled. The landing gear system, all three wheels, were still in the wheel wells. The subsequent functional test of the landing gear system failed to disclose a mechanical problem. The functional test also determined that the landing gear warning horn was operational.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to follow the checklist and lower the landing gear prior to landing.

Full Narrative

On July 8th, 2004, at 1045 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172 RG, N6321R, registered to and operated by Delta Flight Connection, landed wheels-up at Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, Fernandina Beach, Florida. The airplane was being flown by the pilot during a Commercial Single Engine check ride under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot and check-airman were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Fernandina Beach, Florida at 0930. According to the check airman, he initiated single engine failure by pulling the carburator heat out and reducing the throttle to idle. The applicant performed the emergency items and called "gear down", "flaps down" and "something like 1st landing configuration complete". On short final, the check airman stated that he called out certain final items as a safety reminder such as gear down, mixture rich, props forward, cleared to land. " I can not recall if he acknowledged/double-checked these items." According to the Pilot in Command, "while I was plotting my course to make sure that was going to make the runway I was calling out the items on the checklist. I was trying to take the first half of the runway and I was high on the approach. I was trying to concentrate on getting down before the point that he (check airman) pointed out. I finally was getting done and I had my point made until we heard a horrendous noise which was the prop hitting the pavement." Examination of the airplane revealed engine and propeller damage, firewall damage, underbelly of fuselage damage as well as front doors and skin being cracked and buckled. The landing gear, all three wheels, was still in the wheel well. The subsequent functional test of the landing gear system failed to disclose a mechanical problem. The functional test also determined that the landing gear warning horn was properly working.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 RG
Tail NumberN6321R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFlight Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 20 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 5 kt
CeilingBroken clouds 200 ft
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time11:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data