No fatalities

Gear-Up Landing Results in Substantial Damage

Almogordo, NM, United States

On September 4, 2008, a CESSNA 172RG operated by SPENCER AVIATION LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Almogordo, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot forgot to extend the airplane's landing gear before landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

After a 78-nautical-mile cross-country flight, the pilot forgot to extend the landing gear. The airplane veered off the runway, and the left wing tip struck the ground, causing substantial damage. The pilot exited unassisted and was uninjured.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred at the conclusion of a 78-nautical-mile cross-country flight. During the landing, the pilot failed to extend the landing gear. Consequently, the airplane touched down with the gear retracted. After touchdown, the airplane veered off the runway. The left wing tip then struck the ground, causing substantial damage. The airplane came to rest in an upright orientation. The pilot was able to exit the airplane without assistance.

Aftermath

The pilot did not sustain any injuries in this accident. Four days later, however, the pilot was involved in another aircraft accident that resulted in fatal injuries. Because of the pilot's death in a separate event, an NTSB 6120.1 form was not completed for this occurrence.

Probable cause

The pilot forgot to extend the airplane's landing gear before landing.

Contributing factors

PilotNot used/operated

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Sept 2008 CESSNA 172RG accident near Almogordo, NM?

After a 78-nautical-mile cross-country flight, the pilot forgot to extend the landing gear. The airplane veered off the runway, and the left wing tip struck the ground, causing substantial damage. The pilot exited unassisted and was uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Sept 2008 CESSNA 172RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Sept 2008 involved a CESSNA 172RG, operated by SPENCER AVIATION LLC, at Almogordo, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot forgot to extend the airplane's landing gear before landing.