On September 27, 2000, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N114SA) was involved in an aviation accident near Blanding, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's distraction from the conversation with the UNICOM operator led to his failure to lower the landing gear before landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An air taxi pilot landed with the landing gear retracted after being distracted by a conversation with the UNICOM operator about a shortened runway. The warning horn sounded during flare.
Incident
During a passenger-carrying on-demand air taxi flight, the pilot was making an approach to land at an uncontrolled airport to pick up additional passengers. While on approach, the pilot discussed the shortened runway due to construction with the UNICOM operator. The pilot stated that, due to the distraction of this conversation, he forgot to lower the landing gear and landed with the landing gear retracted. He reported hearing the landing gear warning horn when he reduced power in the flare just before touchdown.
Probable Cause
The pilot's distraction from the conversation with the UNICOM operator led to his failure to lower the landing gear before landing.