Probable cause

The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction with an erroneous airspeed indicator.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

According to the pilot's accident report, during the initial climb from Albuquerque Sunport (ABQ), New Mexico, he noticed the airspeed indicator was erratic and not indicating a normal climb speed. After leveling off, the indicated airspeed was 70 to 80 knots. He compared this with the GPS (Global Positioning System) ground speed and noticed a "significant difference." Later, while circling a house, the airspeed "went to zero knots." The pilot returned for landing at ABQ. He said he mentally went through the GUMPs (gas, undercarriage, mixture prop) checklist but was distracted by the airspeed indicator and radio traffic. As he flared for landing and reduced power, he heard a horn sounding and mistook it for the marker beacon alert. The airplane landed wheels up. A post-accident examination revealed the airplane's fuselage skin and U-shaped former (where the lift struts attach) were ground down, necessitating replacement. An examination of the pitot tube showed it was plugged with insects.

Contributing factors

cause Pilot
factor Pilot

Conditions

Weather: VMC, wind 190/12kt, vis 10sm

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