Accident Overview
A pilot returning from a local aerial photography flight failed to confirm that the aircraft's landing gear was extended, down, and locked. As the aircraft touched down, the landing gear was extended only approximately 10% of its full travel. Upon ground contact, the gear fully collapsed, and the aircraft slid to a stop on its belly.
Sequence of Events
The passenger reported that on short final, he believed the gear was still in the up position and queried the pilot. Only then did the pilot lower the gear handle. However, the gear did not fully deploy before touchdown.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, actuation of the landing gear system revealed that the gear itself functioned normally. However, the gear warning horn was found to be erratic in operation.
Cause
The accident was attributed to the pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was extended, down, and locked before landing.