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Pilot Forgets to Lower Landing Gear After Distraction from UNICOM Conversation (N114SA)

Blanding, UT, US

On September 27, 2000, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N114SA) was involved in an aviation accident near Blanding, UT. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Sept 2000 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Blanding, UT?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Sept 2000 Piper PA-31-350 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Sept 2000 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N114SA, at Blanding, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's distraction from the conversation with the UNICOM operator led to his failure to lower the landing gear before landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21962. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.