Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while in the pattern practicing touch and go landings, he became distracted, failed to use the pre-landing checklist, and forgot to extend the airplane’s landing gear. He landed the airplane with the landing gear retracted and skidded to a stop on the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that have precluded normal operation.