On May 26, 2005, a Piper PA-31-310 (registration N65MR) was involved in an aviation accident near Manokotak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to extend the landing gear and did not complete the landing checklist. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot landed with the landing gear retracted after failing to lower it on approach and not completing the landing checklist, resulting in structural damage to the fuselage.
Accident Details
The accident involved a commercial certificated pilot who was conducting an approach to an airport. During the base leg of the approach, the pilot lowered partial flaps but did not extend the landing gear. As the approach continued, the pilot reported that he failed to complete the landing checklist. Consequently, the aircraft landed with the landing gear still retracted.
Damage
The aircraft sustained structural damage to the fuselage. The damage necessitated the replacement or repair of several bulkheads and a large area of belly skin extending from the nose wheel to the tail.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to extend the landing gear and did not complete the landing checklist.