Casualties unknown

1995-07-09: Mooney 20E (N9296V) — Burlington, CT

Burlington, CT, US

On July 9, 1995, a Mooney 20E (registration N9296V) was involved in an aviation accident near Burlington, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear resulting in a wheels up landing. A factor relating to the accident was the inoperative gear warning horn. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During approach, a Mooney pilot performed a prelanding checklist but did not lower the landing gear, resulting in a wheels-up landing. The gear warning horn was examined and found inoperative.

Event Summary

A pilot landing a Mooney airplane landed with the landing gear retracted after failing to fully extend the gear during the prelanding checklist. The gear warning horn was not heard and later found to be inoperative.

Approach and Landing

The pilot was on approach and carried out the prelanding checklist. While completing the checklist, the pilot's fingers contacted the landing gear selector switch but did not move it to the gear-down position. The pilot continued the approach and landed the airplane. Upon touchdown, it was clear that the landing gear was not extended, and the airplane settled onto its belly.

Pilot Observations

After the airplane came to rest, the pilot checked the gear warning horn, stating that he had not heard it at any time during the approach. The horn was found to be nonfunctional. The pilot noted that the horn had also not worked a few days earlier.

Aircraft Information

The airplane involved was a Mooney, a retractable-gear aircraft. The landing gear is controlled by a cockpit switch. A warning horn is typically installed to alert the pilot if the gear is not down when the throttle is reduced.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04053. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.