20 Feb 2009: PIPER PA-24-260

20 Feb 2009: PIPER PA-24-260 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Lincoln, CA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear for landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention due to an open door and the airport's pilot activated runway lights turning off.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that during departure on a local night flight, the airplane's door popped open. He turned to downwind and attempted to close the door. While on downwind, the airport's pilot activated runway lights turned off. The pilot then had to reactivate the runway lights and he landed the airplane without extending the landing gear. Subsequently, the airplane caught fire and was consumed.

Contributing factors

  • cause Not used/operated
  • factor Incorrect use/operation
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

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