Accident Overview
A retractable gear-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage when it landed with the landing gear retracted. The pilot reported that while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, he lowered the landing gear handle and believed he saw the green landing gear indicator lights illuminate. He then became distracted and did not check the landing gear lights again before touchdown.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the accident was a mistake and suggested that his own fatigue or stress may have been an issue.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane after the accident. The landing gear handle was found in the "down" position, and the landing gear indicator lights were functioning. However, the landing gear motor circuit breaker had popped. The circuit breaker was reset, and the landing gear was cycled six times with no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies noted. No further issues with the landing gear system were identified.
Conclusion
The accident occurred when the airplane was landed with the landing gear retracted. The pilot did not verify the gear-down indication after becoming distracted. The circuit breaker had popped, but its role in the sequence was not determined. The gear system functioned normally after reset.