On May 9, 2002, a Piper Aerostar 602P (registration N61RG) was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delayed extension of the main landing gear prior to the landing flare/touchdown, which resulted in a wheels-up landing. A contributing factor was the loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During final approach for runway 3, the left engine lost power. The pilot performed a missed approach but struggled with crosswind conditions. The airplane landed wheels-up after the landing gear failed to lock.
Accident Sequence
The airplane was on final approach for runway 3 at an altitude of about 300 to 400 feet above ground level when the left engine lost power. The pilot initiated a missed approach because he could not maintain alignment with the runway due to the loss of engine power and crosswind conditions. As the airplane continued to lose altitude, the pilot feathered the propeller and subsequently retracted the flaps and the landing gear.
Landing
At a low altitude, the pilot delayed the landing gear extension procedure. The landing gear did not lock into place before touchdown on the runway. The airplane landed with the wheels retracted and slid to a stop.
Weather and Engine
Wind conditions were reported as 140 degrees at 13 knots with gusts to 17 knots. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.