Accident Overview
A pilot reported that, following a local sightseeing flight, he entered the airport traffic pattern and began the before-landing checklist. While performing the checklist, three other aircraft announced their presence in the vicinity of the airport. The pilot turned his attention to locating the other aircraft without finishing the checklist.
Landing and Damage
The pilot stated that he did not hear the gear warning horn annunciate while wearing his noise-cancelling headset. He subsequently landed with the landing gear retracted. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage supporting structure.
Postaccident Examination
After the accident, the airplane was placed on jack stands, and the landing gear was extended manually. The landing gear was not operated using the airplane's electrical system. The pilot reported that he had flown the airplane the previous day and that the landing gear had operated normally at that time.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.