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Casualties unknown

Piper PA-31T Lands with Gear Retracted After Pilot Distraction (N112ED)

Muscle Shoals, AL, US

On December 13, 2007, a Piper PA-31T (registration N112ED) operated by Darby Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Muscle Shoals, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot became distracted and forgot to extend the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an instrument approach, a Piper PA-31T pilot forgot to extend the landing gear after becoming distracted, resulting in a gear-up landing and substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A Piper PA-31T was conducting an instrument approach when the pilot crossed the initial approach fix and descended to 2,300 feet per the instrument approach procedure. Upon reaching the final approach fix, the pilot selected 1,200 feet in the altitude preselect and almost simultaneously visually acquired the runway and visual approach slope indicator.

Pilot Actions

The pilot then became distracted and forgot to extend the landing gear. He fully extended the wing flaps, but the power setting remained above the trigger point for the landing gear warning horn. The airplane touched down with the landing gear retracted.

Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the gear-up landing.

Probable cause

The pilot became distracted and forgot to extend the landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Dec 2007 Piper PA-31T accident near Muscle Shoals, AL?

During an instrument approach, a Piper PA-31T pilot forgot to extend the landing gear after becoming distracted, resulting in a gear-up landing and substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Dec 2007 involved a Piper PA-31T, registration N112ED, operated by Darby Aviation, at Muscle Shoals, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot became distracted and forgot to extend the landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20080123X00097. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.