Incident Overview
On a dual instructional flight, an aircraft sustained substantial damage during a wheels-up landing at Glen Falls. The flight had previously been conducting air work before returning to Glen Falls to continue training with takeoffs and landings. During the first landing attempt, the aircraft approached the runway threshold slightly lower than intended. As the pilot flared for touchdown, the aircraft ballooned—rising momentarily before settling. The aircraft then touched down with the landing gear retracted, causing substantial damage to the airframe. Both pilots on board were not injured.
Flight Details
The flight was a training session involving two pilots, one serving as instructor and the other as student. Before the landing incident, the flight had completed air work maneuvers away from the airport. Upon returning to Glen Falls, the pilots planned to practice multiple takeoffs and landings. The first landing of this sequence ended with the gear-up touchdown.
Landing Sequence
According to the source, the aircraft came over the runway threshold a little low during the approach. During the flare—the phase of landing where the nose is raised to reduce descent rate—the aircraft ballooned, meaning it climbed slightly due to excessive airspeed or improper flare technique. This ballooning caused the aircraft to lose remaining speed and altitude rapidly, leading to a hard landing with the gear still up. The resulting impact caused substantial damage to the underside of the aircraft, including the fuselage and possibly the propeller and engines, though specific damage items are not detailed.
Aftermath
Emergency services were not required as both pilots exited the aircraft unaided and without injury. The aircraft was rendered temporarily or permanently unusable due to the extent of the damage. No further information is available regarding the type of aircraft, registration, or operator.