Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot in the retractable landing gear-equipped airplane reported that, during a straight-in approach, the airplane's approach angle was too high. He recalled that he was distracted by an increase in aircraft operating in the area and that he forgot to extend the landing gear. The airplane landed with the landing gear retracted and slid off the right side of the runway before it came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot in the retractable landing gear-equipped airplane reported that during a straight-in approach, the airplane's approach angle was too high. He recalled that he was distracted by an increase in aircraft operating in the area, and that he forgot to extend the airplane's landing gear. The airplane landed with the landing gear retracted and slid off the right side of the runway before it came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.