On 14 Jun 2008, a Mooney M20K operated by Snyder Manufacturing Company, LTD. was involved in an aviation accident near New Philadelphi, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not verify that the landing gear was down and locked prior to landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot did not verify the landing gear was down and locked during final approach, resulting in a wheels-up landing. The airplane slid 850 feet, damaging the lower fuselage.
Event Description
The pilot believed he had extended the landing gear at the final approach fix but did not confirm that it was down and locked. The aircraft crossed the runway threshold at a higher than normal speed and ballooned during the flare. As the pilot moved to increase throttle for a go-around, the audible gear warning sounded, stating "check gear." Reaching for the landing gear handle, the pilot felt the airplane settle onto the runway. The airplane slid approximately 850 feet before coming to rest, resulting in damage to the lower fuselage skin and its substructure.
Pilot Statements
The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by verifying the landing gear position prior to landing. He also noted that distractions during the approach—including changing radio frequencies and correcting for being high and fast on the approach—contributed to the oversight.
Probable cause
The pilot did not verify that the landing gear was down and locked prior to landing.