Incident Overview
During a terminal instrument approach to a home airport, a pilot transitioned from instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) to visual meteorological conditions (VMC). After canceling the instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance, the pilot shifted from the instrument approach to a visual flight rules (VFR) pattern.
Sequence of Events
While not following a written checklist, the pilot inadvertently omitted lowering the landing gear. During the landing flare, contact between the wing flaps and propeller blades with the runway surface produced an audible noise. The pilot responded by adding power and immediately executing a go-around. Subsequently, the pilot entered a closed traffic pattern, lowered the landing gear, repositioned the flaps, and completed an uneventful landing.
Pilot Observations
The pilot reported hearing the gear warning horn during the approach but mistook it for the altitude alerting system. No system malfunctions were noted in the aircraft.
Post-Inspection Findings
Inspection of the runway surface revealed scarring. All six propeller blades had their tips ground down due to repeated contact with the asphalt.
Safety Actions
The pilot's decision to execute a go-around allowed for a safe recovery and landing on the subsequent approach.