Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the airplane’s landing gear before landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern he did not extend the landing gear, and while on final approach, he did not check the landing gear position indicator lights. The pilot continued to land with the landing gear retracted which resulted in substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.