Introduction
On July 24, 2012, at 1230 mountain daylight time, a Cessna model TR182 airplane, registered as N73VX, was substantially damaged during a wheels-up landing at Steamboat Springs Airport (KSBS), Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was operated by Steamboat Springs Flying Club, LLC under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which had originated from Rangely Airport (4V0), Colorado, at about 1100.
Accident Details
The pilot reported canceling the IFR flight plan after descending below the cloud ceiling during the instrument approach to runway 32, which measures 4,452 feet by 100 feet and is asphalt. He then proceeded to land without extending the landing gear. The pilot stated he did not hear the landing gear warning horn until the airplane was in the landing flare. The aircraft slid on its lower fuselage for approximately 1,200 feet before striking a runway edge identifier light and a lighted taxiway sign. The lower fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot noted that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Postaccident Examination
According to a mechanic who responded to the accident site, the landing gear position handle was found in the "UP" position. The landing gear warning horn sounded, though faintly, when the master power switch was turned on. When the airplane was lifted off the ground and the landing gear handle was placed in the "DOWN" position, the landing gear fully extended into the down-and-locked position. With the gear fully extended, the green landing gear position light illuminated and the warning horn stopped sounding. The postaccident examination did not reveal any mechanical anomalies or failures with the landing gear extension system.
Weather Observations
At 1233, the airport's automatic weather observing station reported wind from 220 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 10 miles, a broken ceiling at 12,000 feet above ground level, temperature 27 degrees Celsius, dew point 04 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.21 inches of mercury.