Case 1
Diamond Twinstar: forgot to lower undercarriage.
Nature of Damage:
Damage to both propellers and engines, the underside of the fuselage, antennas and entry steps
Commander’s Licence:
Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence
Commander’s Age:
74 years
Commander’s Flying Experience:
15,100 hours (of which 25 were on type)
Last 90 days - 52 hours
Last 28 days - 17 hours
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Case 2
Pawnee
Commander’s Age:
74 years
Commander’s Flying Experience:
14,100 hours (of which 75 were on type)
Last 90 days - 3 hours
Last 28 days - 2 hours
The pilot was taxiing the aircraft from Runway 09N towards Runway 09S in a strong crosswind. He reported that, as the aircraft approached the end of the taxiway, a gust caused it to yaw to the right and pitch forward simultaneously. He closed the throttle and applied full rearward deflection of the control column but the tail continued to rise causing the propeller to strike the ground.
Perhaps a safety case can be made for letting, and enabling, commercial pilots retire at age 55 or 60 or somesuch age?