Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot receiving instruction failure to extend the landing gear before landing due to distraction and the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot receiving instruction in the multi-engine airplane reported that, he was teaching a simulated, single engine landing in the airport traffic pattern to his instructor. While on downwind where he normally extends the landing gear, he was still focusing on the engine failure procedures and did not extend the landing gear or verify the landing gear position. The airplane subsequently touched down with the landing gear retracted. The lower fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.