Pilot Fails to Lower Landing Gear During Training Flight

Overview

During a solo flight in preparation for a commercial rating, a pilot conducted three uneventful touch-and-go landings. The number of aircraft in the traffic pattern subsequently increased from two to four or five. The pilot sequenced between two other training flights and inadvertently did not lower the landing gear before landing.

Damage and Aftermath

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wing strut crossover bulkhead. No other aircraft or personnel were involved. The chief flight instructor for the university flight training program reported that the accident scenario will be incorporated into the curriculum for all students.