No fatalities

11 Apr 2011: MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORP. M20K — WILSON THOMAS S MD — Augusta, GA

Augusta, GA, United States

On 11 Apr 2011, a MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORP. M20K operated by WILSON THOMAS S MD was involved in an aviation accident near Augusta, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reported fatigue. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot conducting a VFR cross-country flight experienced IMC at the destination, executed two missed approaches due to fog, diverted to an alternate airport, and landed with the landing gear retracted, causing substantial fuselage damage.

Accident Narrative

A pilot departed on a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight. Upon arrival at the destination airport, instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) were present. The pilot requested and received an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance to conduct an instrument approach. The pilot performed two missed approaches because fog prevented visual contact with the runway. The pilot then diverted to an alternate airport.

While conducting an instrument approach at the alternate airport, the pilot realized just before landing that the landing gear had not been extended. The airplane subsequently landed with the gear retracted, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that fatigue, weather conditions, and the distraction of the diversion contributed to the error of failing to extend the landing gear.

Damage

The fuselage sustained substantial damage due to the gear-up landing. No other damage details were provided.

Contributing factors

PilotNot used/operated