AAIB Bulletin No: 11/2004
Cessna 303 Crusader · Service Bulletins
Overview
This document is an AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) bulletin concerning an incident involving the Cessna T303 Crusader, specifically the aircraft registered as G-PUSI. The bulletin details an accident that occurred on August 21, 2004, during a private flight. The pilot experienced engine vibration and potential desynchronization immediately after takeoff, which led to a gear retraction error resulting in a belly landing. The bulletin serves as a report on the incident, providing insights into the circumstances and outcomes, and is intended for pilots, maintenance personnel, and aviation safety stakeholders. It highlights the importance of adhering to operational protocols and maintaining situational awareness during critical phases of flight.
- Aircraft Model: Cessna T303 Crusader
- Incident Date: August 21, 2004
- Pilot's Total Flight Time: 4,030 hours
- Pilot's Flight Time on Type: 1,800 hours
- Nature of Damage: Bent propellers and damaged flaps
Document
Source
Originally published by assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Service Bulletins
- Year
- 2004
- Pages
- 1
- File size
- 70 KB
- Publisher
- assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
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In this document
Incident Overview
The bulletin describes an incident involving the Cessna T303 Crusader during a private flight. The aircraft, registered as G-PUSI, experienced engine vibration and possible desynchronization shortly after takeoff from grass Runway 32 at Newmarket. The pilot, believing the aircraft was not at minimum single-engine maneuvering speed, opted for a straight-ahead landing due to sufficient runway length remaining. Unfortunately, the landing gear had been inadvertently retracted during takeoff, leading to a belly landing.
Pilot Experience
The pilot involved in the incident held a Private Pilot's Licence and had a total flying experience of 4,030 hours, with 1,800 hours on the Cessna T303 Crusader. In the 90 days preceding the incident, the pilot logged 38 hours of flight time, and in the 28 days prior, 33 hours.
Damage Assessment
Upon landing, the aircraft sustained damage, including bent propellers and damaged flaps. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported for the pilot or the passenger on board.
Safety notes
- Ensure landing gear is properly configured before takeoff and during flight operations.
- Maintain awareness of engine performance and synchronization during critical phases of flight.
Full document text
1 Cessna T303 Crusader, G-PUSI AAIB Bulletin No: 11/2004 Ref: EW/G2004/08/11 Category: 1.2 Aircraft Type and Registration: Cessna T303 Crusader, G-PUSI No & Type of Engines: 2 Continental TSIO-520-AE piston engines Year of Manufacture: 1983 Date & Time (UTC): 21 August 2004 at 0950 hrs Location: Newmarket Racecourse, Suffolk Type of Flight: Private Persons on Board: Crew - 1 Passengers - 1 Injuries: Crew - None Passengers - None Nature of Damage: Propellers bent and flaps damaged Commander's Licence: Private Pilot's Licence Commander's Age: 65 years Commander's Flying Experience: 4,030 hours (of which 1,800 were on type) Last 90 days - 38 hours Last 28 days - 33 hours Information Source: Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot The pilot was intending to make a normal takeoff from grass Runway 32 at Newmarket. Immediately after lift-off the pilot felt what he believed to be engine vibration and possible desynchronisation of the engines. The aircraft at this point had not reached minimum single engine manoeuvring (blue line) speed. There was however, sufficient runway length remaining ahead of the aircraft and with rising ground at the far end of the airfield the pilot decided to land straight ahead. On touchdown he realised that he had retracted the landing gear during the initial take-off phase and not lowered it again. The aircraft slid on its belly for approximately 100 metres before coming to rest. Both the pilot and passenger were able to vacate the aircraft without injury.
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