Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's diverted attention while in the landing pattern.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he was in the airport traffic pattern preparing for a full stop landing. While accomplishing his prelanding check list, his attention was diverted by a departing airplane. When he reduced engine power just prior to touchdown, he heard the gear warning horn sound, but was unable to react in time to prevent a wheels up landing.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 25, 1997, about 1615 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-31-350 airplane, N59985, operated by Yute Air as Flight 905, sustained substantial damage during a gear up landing at the Selawik Airport, Selawik, Alaska. The solo airline transport certificated pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 135 scheduled commuter flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. A company visual flight rules flight plan was in effect. The pilot reported to the NTSB he transmitted his position on a common traffic advisory frequency as he entered a left downwind for runway 3 at the Selawik airstrip. The pilot wrote: "As the pilot was reaching for the landing gear lever, another aircraft on the ground called requesting the position of the incoming aircraft. The pilot responded to the caller and completed the check list. The aircraft continued the approach and landed on runway 3 with the landing gear in the up position." The pilot also noted in his report to the NTSB that there was no prelanding mechanical difficulties or malfunction with the airplane. According to the Director of Operations for Yute Air, the pilot told him he forgot to put the landing gear down, and that the gear warning horn activated just as he reduced power and the airplane settled onto the gravel runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage belly bulkheads. -