Accident Summary
During landing, the pilot reported that multiple runways were in use and he was sequenced between two jet aircraft. Dividing his attention between other traffic and his own airplane, he rotated the landing gear switch to the down position and believed the gear had extended. However, upon flaring, the propeller struck the runway, and he then realized the landing gear was not down and locked. The airplane slid to a stop on the runway with the gear retracted.
Aircraft Examination
Post-incident examination revealed that the rotary switch controlling the electro-hydraulic landing gear extension was worn. It required deliberate rotation to the full detent to make the necessary electrical contacts for gear extension. Additionally, the warning light that should illuminate when the throttle is closed and the gear is not extended only operated when the throttle was pulled forcibly to the idle position. The aircraft was also equipped with a pair of red wires on the top of the wing; these wires were visible when the gear was retracted and not visible when extended, serving as a mechanical indicator.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that due to the high volume of air traffic, he failed to verify that the landing gear was down and locked before touchdown.