No fatalities

Pilot Lands Gear-Up After Distraction During Crosswind Approach (N7659U)

Albuquerque, NM, US

On April 5, 1996, a Cessna T210R (registration N7659U) was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. Factors were his failure to follow the checklist and his diverted attention due to other traffic. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed with the landing gear retracted after aborting a crosswind landing and being distracted by traffic. The aircraft touched down on runway 30 with the gear up following an earlier bounced landing.

Incident Overview

During a crosswind landing on runway 30, the aircraft skipped sideways after touchdown, prompting the pilot to abort the landing. The air traffic control tower instructed the pilot to execute a left downwind pattern and subsequently cleared the aircraft to land on the same runway again. Prior to the second approach, the tower advised the pilot of traffic operating both ahead of and behind the aircraft.

Final Landing

The pilot continued the approach and completed the landing, but the aircraft touched down with the landing gear retracted. The pilot later reported that his attention was diverted by the presence of traffic ahead and behind, and that he was also apprehensive regarding the crosswind conditions. No other factors were cited.

Pilot Statement

In his statement, the pilot indicated that the combination of traffic awareness and concern about the crosswind contributed to his distraction during the final phase of flight, leading to the omission of the landing gear extension before touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Apr 1996 Cessna T210R accident near Albuquerque, NM?

A pilot landed with the landing gear retracted after aborting a crosswind landing and being distracted by traffic. The aircraft touched down on runway 30 with the gear up following an earlier bounced landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Apr 1996 Cessna T210R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Apr 1996 involved a Cessna T210R, registration N7659U, at Albuquerque, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. Factors were his failure to follow the checklist and his diverted attention due to other traffic.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05550. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.