MARCONI FRED I JR VELOCITY XL/RG near Pahokee, FL — 2013-09-22

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear were extended during the simulated forced landing attempt. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot's decision to continue the aborted landing after the propeller had contacted the runway.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane was performing a simulated forced landing to the airport runway. As the airplane was in the landing flare, another pilot radioed that the accident airplane's landing gear was still retracted. About that time, the aft mounted propeller struck the runway and the pilot increased power in an attempt to abort the landing. The pilot subsequently lost control of the airplane and it impacted terrain to the side of the runway, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot and flight instructor, and substantial damage to the airframe. Examination of the wreckage following the accident revealed that the landing gear switch was selected to the "UP" position.

NTSB coding

• Simulated/training event · Approach-VFR pattern downwind

Evidence available

• Photos
• 6 docket documents

Docket documents6

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Witness Statementsinterview
• Memorandum for Record (FAA)other
• Memorandum for Record (Passenger rated pilot)other
• Photograph #1: View of landing gear switch (Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Photograph #2: Starboard view of wreckage (Courtesy of FAA)photos