Accident Details
The accident occurred when the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear during the prelanding checklist on the downwind leg. The gear failed to extend, and the pilot attempted to recycle the gear down lever with the same result. The airplane subsequently performed a wheels-up landing, resulting in substantial damage.
Investigation Findings
An on-scene examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the landing gear powerpack's electric motor was defective. Additionally, the inspection disclosed that during the last annual inspection, a kit designed to delete the automatic extension features of the landing gear system had been incorrectly installed. As installed, the kit prevented the emergency extension of the landing gear.
Inspection Findings
The FAA inspector further noted that the instructions for the kit required that, once installed, a landing gear retract check be performed to ensure satisfactory operation of the landing gear. The airplane operator failed to perform this check, according to the inspector's statement.