No fatalities

14 Jul 2009: PIPER PA-28R-201 — Illinois Avaition Academy Inc. — West Chicago, IL

West Chicago, IL, United States

On 14 Jul 2009, a PIPER PA-28R-201 operated by Illinois Avaition Academy Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near West Chicago, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear due to divided attention during the approach. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot conducting a practice engine-out short approach for pattern work landed wheels up after dividing attention between the aimpoint, airspeed, and nearby tractors, failing to lower the landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

A pilot was performing pattern work and executed a practice engine-out short approach. During the downwind leg, the pilot completed the GUMPS checklist and observed mowers near the runway. As the approach continued, the pilot's attention was divided among the aimpoint, airspeed, and the tractors adjacent to the runway. This divided attention led the pilot to fail to extend the landing gear.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the airplane landed with the wheels retracted on the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot also stated that no mechanical malfunctions were associated with the airplane during the accident flight.

Outcome

The airplane sustained substantial damage from the wheels-up landing. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft was not equipped with any known mechanical issues prior to the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear due to divided attention during the approach.

Contributing factors

Not used/operatedPilot