Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a personal flight experienced a gear-up landing. According to the pilot's account, he had lowered the landing gear prior to landing. However, the gear warning horn was reported as inoperative. The first indication that the landing gear was not extended came when the pilot observed the propeller tip curling upward during touchdown.
Landing Gear System Findings
An operational check of the landing gear system revealed no discrepancies aside from two specific issues: the gear warning horn was improperly adjusted, and the automatic gear extension system was also incorrectly set. The automatic extension system is designed to lower the landing gear when airspeed drops below 120 mph and the throttle is reduced below 18–20 inches of manifold pressure. The pilot further noted that the landing gear motor circuit breaker had tripped.
Sequence of Events
The pilot stated that although he believed he had lowered the landing gear, the gear was not down when the aircraft contacted the runway. The first visual cue indicating the gear was not extended was the propeller tip curling upward. The pilot also mentioned that the circuit breaker for the landing gear motor had tripped, though the timing of this event in relation to the landing was not specified.
Post-Incident Inspection
After the incident, maintenance personnel conducted an operational check of the landing gear system. Aside from the improperly adjusted warning horn and automatic extension system, no other malfunctions were found. The landing gear itself operated correctly when tested.