Incident
During a power-off 180-degree accuracy landing practice, a certificated private pilot became distracted in the traffic pattern by a converging airplane that was on approach to a different runway at the same airport. The accident airplane touched down with the landing gear retracted, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot had not lowered the landing gear on the downwind leg, intending instead to extend it on final approach when he was "sure [he] had the runway made."
Aircraft Information
According to the airplane's information manual, the accident airplane was equipped with an audio warning system designed to sound whenever the throttle was retarded below 12 inches of manifold pressure. The accident pilot stated that he did not notice the landing gear warning tone until after the airplane stopped on the ground.
Pilot Information
The accident pilot held a private pilot certificate. Most of his instruction in complex airplanes was not conducted in the accident airplane.