Aircraft Contacts Runway With Gear Retracted During Touch-and-Go (N2145D)

Incident Details

A non-certificated pilot was attempting a touch-and-go landing when both he and the passenger were distracted by a call from the pilot of another aircraft that was on an instrument approach to the same airport. Neither occupant realized the landing gear was not extended until the tail of the aircraft contacted the asphalt runway. The aircraft then slid to a stop on its belly.

Pilot Credentials

The passenger held a commercial pilot certificate but did not have a current medical certificate. The pilot/owner claimed the passenger was the pilot-in-command; however, the passenger stated he was unaware that the pilot/owner did not hold any pilot certificate until after the accident. The passenger further stated he would not have flown with the pilot/owner had he known this fact.

Aircraft Status

The aircraft had not been certificated as airworthy within the previous 12 months, as it lacked a required annual inspection.