Accident Overview
The airplane was substantially damaged during an attempted go-around after the pilot recognized that the landing gear was not extended during the landing approach. The flight was conducted in conjunction with an Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles event. The aircraft was carrying three passengers at the time of the accident.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that two of the three passengers were "teasing" the third passenger during the landing approach. As a result of being distracted, he "forgot to put the landing gear down until the very last minute." The pilot stated that the airplane was "too close for the gear to lock" and he attempted a go-around.
Sequence of Events
After initiating the go-around, the pilot reported that the left wing "dipped and touched the ground causing the aircraft to spin off the runway." The aircraft came to rest off the runway surface.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the ground contact and subsequent spin.