Summary
During final approach to runway 14, multiple witnesses observed the airplane with its landing gear retracted. Several witnesses attempted to alert the pilot via radio, but received no response. The airplane touched down on the runway with the gear up, then became airborne again, climbing to an estimated altitude of 30 feet. It subsequently descended in a left bank, impacted terrain east of the runway, and cartwheeled before coming to rest on an adjacent taxiway.
Incident Details
The event occurred as the airplane was on final approach. Witnesses noted the gear-up configuration and tried to communicate with the pilot, but there was no acknowledgment from the cockpit. After the initial gear-up landing on runway 14, the airplane lifted off again. It climbed approximately 30 feet, then began a descending left turn. The aircraft struck the ground east of the runway and cartwheeled, ultimately stopping on a nearby taxiway.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the runway revealed approximately 60 propeller slash marks, consistent with the airplane having made contact with the runway surface. A thorough inspection of the aircraft disclosed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. Examination of the landing gear actuator showed it was in a transit position, which corresponded to about three turns of the manual gear handle from the full-up (retracted) position. No further causes were identified in the investigation.