On May 21, 2000, a Cessna T210M (registration N66DF) was involved in an aviation accident near Laramie, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's failure to confirm, the landing gear was down and locked. Factors were the check pilot's failure to confirm the landing gear was down and locked, and the sun glare. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a commercial pilot practical test, the pilot landed with the landing gear retracted after misinterpreting a gear-down indication due to sun glare. The gear warning horn did not sound until after touchdown.
Incident Overview
During a commercial pilot practical test for airplanes, single engine, land, the pilot had advanced to the takeoff and landing phase. He lowered the landing gear and extended the flaps. He thought the GEAR DOWN green light had illuminated and announced "gear down and locked." The sun came through the rear window and the glare illuminated the landing gear indicator lights.
Landing Sequence
As the airplane approached the runway threshold, the pilot retarded the throttle. The gear warning horn did not sound. The airplane landed wheels up. After landing, the landing gear warning horn began sounding.
Post-Landing Inspection
The landing gear selector was in the DOWN position. The nose gear doors were open, and the nose gear was partially extended. The main landing gear doors were partially open, but the main landing gear was not extended.