Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to configure the landing gear for landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the sixth and final landing of the day, he was aware of another airplane in the landing pattern that disrupted his routine. He did a mental checklist, and thought that the landing gear was down; however, it was not. The airplane subsequently landed with the landing gear retracted, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during the sixth and final landing of the day, he was aware of another airplane in the landing pattern that disrupted his routine. He did a mental checklist, and thought that the landing gear was down; however, it was not. The airplane subsequently landed with the landing gear retracted, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.