What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-02-17 involved a Cessna 337, registration N6381F, at Belen, NM.

Gear-Up Landing After Runway Change During Touch-and-Go Practice (N6381F)

On February 17, 1985, a Cessna 337 (registration N6381F) was involved in an aviation accident near Belen, NM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A private pilot landed gear-up during touch-and-go practice after changing runways and failing to re-extend the landing gear. The wind was from 360 at 5 knots gusting to 10.

Incident Overview

A private pilot experienced a gear-up landing while practicing touch-and-go landings at an uncontrolled airport. During the approach, the pilot changed the runway selection. In a post-accident interview, the pilot stated that he had raised the landing gear after a previous landing and forgot to re-extend it after establishing a new approach pattern for the following landing.

Sequence of Events

The pilot had conducted previous landings on Runway 21. During the approach for a subsequent touch-and-go, he changed his choice of runway to Runway 03. After raising the landing gear following a previous landing, the pilot established a new approach pattern for Runway 03 but did not re-extend the gear. The aircraft touched down with the gear retracted, resulting in a gear-up landing.

Weather Conditions

The wind at the time of the accident was reported as from 360 degrees at 5 knots with gusts to 10 knots. The pilot noted on the written report that there was "not much wind and no traffic."

Pilot Comments

The pilot recommended, "NEVER FAIL TO DO A GUMP CHECK BEFORE LANDING." He also mentioned that the accident occurred at an uncontrolled airport (unmanned/non-existent tower).

1985-02-17: Cessna 337 (N6381F) — Belen, NM