What happened
The incident occurred during the final phase of flight as the aircraft approached the runway for landing. According to witness accounts, the pilot initiated the landing flare with the landing gear completely retracted. As the airplane descended from an altitude of approximately 3 to 4 feet above the runway, the landing gear began to extend.
The main landing gear made contact with the runway surface while still in the process of extending, which caused the gear to collapse immediately. Following this impact, the engine sound increased significantly to a high power level, and the aircraft lifted off the ground at a steep climb angle. The airplane reached an altitude of 10 to 12 feet above ground level before the engine sound cut sharply. The aircraft then dropped back onto the runway and slid until it came to a complete stop.
Another witness reported that as the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, the pilot was advised via UNICOM radio to check his landing gear. Shortly after this communication, the witness observed the landing gear beginning to extend.