Flight and Approach
The pilot departed McKinney National Airport (TKI) in Texas on a visual flight rules flight to Angel Fire Airport (AXX) in New Mexico. During the approach to Angel Fire, the airplane encountered what the pilot described as "extreme mountain turbulence." The pilot stated that he "kept his speed up" during the approach.
Landing Abort and Gear Separation
Shortly after touchdown at Angel Fire, the airplane "windmilled" to the left, according to the pilot. The pilot then aborted the landing. During the initial climb, the airplane's main landing gear impacted a snow bank located at the end of the runway. The main landing gear separated from the airplane. Despite the gear separation, the airplane remained airborne.
Diversion and Gear-Up Landing
The pilot flew around the local area for an unspecified period of time. He then landed the airplane with the landing gear retracted (gear-up) at Taos Regional Airport in New Mexico. During the gear-up landing at Taos, the airplane departed the runway surface and impacted snow-covered terrain.
Aircraft Examination and Occupants
Examination of the airplane revealed that the right aileron was bent and partially separated. The pilot and three passengers were not injured.