Incident Overview
A private pilot was returning to the airport after flying in the local area. The pilot entered a left downwind leg for the runway, and during the landing flare, realized that the landing gear was not extended. The airplane made contact with the runway surface and skidded for an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 feet before leaving the runway and coming to rest in an area of grass, weeds, and soft dirt.
Post-Event Actions
After the aircraft stopped, it was lifted, and the landing gear was manually extended. The airplane was then towed to a hangar.
Damage Assessment
The lower forward cockpit structures and the firewall sustained damage as a result of the gear-up landing.
Pilot Information
The pilot, who held a private pilot certificate, had accumulated 893 total flight hours, with 282 hours in the same make and model of retractable-gear airplane.