Event Details
The pilot reported that three attempts were required to extend the landing gear before obtaining a gear-down indication. The landing was conducted on a turf runway.
Landing and Aftermath
During the landing roll, the pilot stated, "I thought I heard the mains touch, I eased the nose forward to pin it down and then the airplane was stopping awful fast and then the propeller stopped horizontally and it was bent back." The pilot noted that no mechanical malfunction or failure was involved in the accident.
Post-Accident Inspection
An individual who responded to the airport to assist with extending the gear after the accident reported that upon looking under the aircraft, "the main gear was out of the gear well and the gear doors were out about an inch." This individual further stated that after removing packed mud and dirt from the nose wheel well, all three gear fell into the down and locked position.
Pilot's Recommendation
The pilot recommended "double check[ing] gear handle & gear light" as a way to prevent a similar occurrence.
Aircraft Checklist Reference
The aircraft owner's manual landing check list directs pilots to check landing gear down by ensuring the green gear-down indicator light is on, the gear warning horn is off, and the gear emergency handle is in the forward position.