What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft within the airport traffic pattern with the intention of executing a full-stop landing. During the final approach phase, the pilot initiated the prelanding checklist as standard procedure. At this critical moment, his attention was diverted by the sight and sound of another airplane departing from the airport.
As the pilot reduced engine power in preparation for touchdown, the aircraft's gear warning horn activated, indicating that the landing gear was not down and locked. Despite hearing the audible alert, the pilot was unable to react quickly enough to correct the configuration before the main wheels contacted the runway surface, resulting in a wheels-up landing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the impact. Examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical failures regarding the landing gear system or the warning horn itself. The warning horn functioned correctly and sounded at the appropriate airspeed and power setting. The primary finding was that the pilot's attention was compromised by external visual stimuli during a high-workload phase of flight.
Findings
The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness and complete the prelanding checklist effectively. The diversion of attention by another aircraft in the vicinity prevented the pilot from noticing or reacting to the gear warning horn in time to lower the landing gear before touchdown.