Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to touch down. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to utilize the pre-landing checklist.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that prior to entering the traffic pattern, he did not visually verify or confirm that the landing gear positioning lights indicated that the gear was extended and locked. After turning onto the base leg he deployed full flaps and conducted a memorized pre landing checklist, however he stated that he was unsure if he verified that the gear was extended. The airplane subsequently touched down with the landing gear retracted; substantially damaging the lower fuselage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that prior to entering the traffic pattern, he did not visually verify or confirm that the landing gear positioning lights indicated that the gear was extended and locked. After turning onto the base leg he deployed full flaps and conducted a memorized pre landing checklist; however, he stated that he was unsure if he verified that the gear was extended. The airplane subsequently touched down with the landing gear retracted, substantially damaging the lower fuselage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.