Accident Overview
A single-engine airplane experienced a gear-up landing at an airport with a 4,444-foot-long, 75-foot-wide asphalt runway. The aircraft landed on its belly, skidded to a stop, and a fire subsequently erupted. The pilot and the passenger were able to exit the airplane and were not injured.
Pilot's Account
The private pilot, who held a total of 7,576 flight hours, informed local police and the NTSB that he "simply forgot" to extend the landing gear prior to landing. The pilot reported that he had accumulated 6,626 hours in the same make and model of aircraft. He stated that he did not recall hearing the landing gear warning horn before touchdown and suspected that the horn might not have functioned.
Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found extensive post-impact fire damage. The landing gear handle was observed in the retracted position. The accident occurred at the conclusion of a 45-minute cross-country flight.