Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot did not extend the landing gear before landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was conducting a series of practice accuracy landings in preparation for a checkride. He reported that he inadvertently forgot to extend the landing gear. He added that he did not remember hearing the landing gear warning horn just before touchdown because he had allowed himself to become fixated on maneuvering the aircraft to the precise landing point. The airplane touched down on the runway surface with the landing gear retracted, which caused substantial damage to the fuselage structure. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was conducting a series of practice accuracy landings in preparation for a checkride. He reported that he inadvertently forgot to extend the landing gear. He added that he did not remember hearing the landing gear warning horn just before touchdown because he had allowed himself to become fixated on maneuvering the aircraft to the precise landing point. The airplane touched down on the runway surface with the landing gear retracted which caused substantial damage to the fuselage structure. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.