Accident Summary
An aircraft sustained damage during a landing in which the landing gear was not extended. According to the pilot's written statement, the accident occurred when the pilot reached for the gear handle but did not select the gear down position. The pilot indicated they assumed the gear was down and continued the landing approach. Upon flaring, the aircraft touched down without gear and settled onto its belly, causing damage to the airframe.
Pilot Statement
The pilot provided a written account of the events leading up to the landing. The statement read: "...reached for the gear handle but for some reason I must not have selected gear down." The pilot added: "Assumed the gear was down and continued with the landing. Flared to land with no gear and it settled on the belly..." The pilot further remarked that the accident could have been prevented by the use of a checklist.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have prevented the landing gear from extending. The aircraft's systems appeared to be functioning normally at the time of the inspection.