Failed To Verify 'Three Green'

Investigators with the US Air Force have determined it was pilot error that led to the May 8, 2006 gear-up landing of a B-1 Lancer on a runway in Southwest Asia.

According to the final report released by authorities at Dyess AFB, TX Monday, the pilot unexpectedly turned over aircraft control to the co-pilot on the final approach. The pilot reported to the air traffic control tower that the landing gear was down, despite the fact that the descent/before landing checklist was never completed -- and worse, the landing gear was never lowered.

The red warning light in the gear handle -- indicating all landing gear was not down and locked -- was illuminated for more than four minutes during the approach. Additionally, at the time the aircraft landed, the three "gear down" green position lights were not illuminated.

The Lancer slid 7,500 feet on its belly and engine pods, before finally coming to rest.

Investigators concluded the cause of the mishap was both pilots' failure to lower the landing gear during the aircraft's approach and landing. Contributing factors for the pilots' failure to lower the landing gear were the co-pilot's task oversaturation; the co-pilot's urgency to complete a long mission; both pilots' inattention to instrument readings and the descent/before landing checklist, and the co-pilot's false belief the pilot had lowered the landing gear.

As Aero-News reported, all four crewmembers onboard the Lancer were able to evacuate the stricken plane. The co-pilot suffered a minor back injury, and the other three crew members were not injured.

Damage totaled approximately $7.9 million for the aircraft and the damage to the runway totaled approximately $14,025. The aircraft is assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB.

FMI: www.af.mil