Incident Overview
A pilot was providing a ride to a friend when the airplane experienced a landing gear loss after clipping a ditch during approach to runway 24. The pilot stated that the heat from the corn field and ditch caused the airplane to settle more quickly, leading to the contact.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, the approach was normal until she felt the airplane settle over a corn field. She added power when she sensed being low, but after clearing the field, she reduced power. Immediately after power reduction, the airplane settled and clipped the edge of a ditch. The pilot continued the landing, describing it as smooth and straight ahead, with a soft touchdown. However, the landing gear was gone upon landing. The pilot noted that heat from the corn field and ditch contributed to the rapid settling on hot summer days.
Conditions
The pilot reported the temperature at the time of the incident was 88 degrees Fahrenheit. There was no evidence or claim of any preimpact mechanical anomaly with the airplane. The pilot attributed the settling effect to the hot conditions prevailing over the corn field and ditch.