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I fly a Lancair 360
"There are those that have and those who will" Two
categories of retractable gear pilots.
Unfortunately I belong to the first category. It was a
beautiful landing without the wheels. I did not damage the pitot head.
Inboard flap damage, bottom of the rudder, scuffed belly pan, oh and did I
mention the rebuilt engine and new propellor! That was where it really
hurt, in my pocket.
I wondered what that noise was as I landed, I thought it was a
flat tire, wish it had been. The propellor left its marks right on the
centre line markings and the aircraft slewed slightly as it stopped. Total
non event and I estimate maybe 600feet of runway used. Had to persaude the
fire crew not to cover me and the plane in foam and really do some damage.
Oh, my passenger barely noticed but seemed suprised that we had to walk back to
the hangar.
What did I learn? Focus on the business in hand and not
talking to your passenger on final approach.
Will I do it again? I am a lot more careful now but
given the right set of circumstances and distractions it could happen. The
cost of the engine repair is ever before my eyes.
But as a learning experience I got to experience an event you
never would in the normal course of flying. This sets me up to say
that I would never be reluctant to attempt a gear up landing if it was a
preferable option.
Ian B. Crowe
LNC 2 C-FKRO
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