Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while entering the airport traffic pattern for landing, his attention was diverted by approximately eight other aircraft already operating in the pattern. This distraction led him to forget to extend the landing gear, resulting in a gear-up landing on the runway. The airplane came to rest upright on the runway surface.
Aircraft Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and found damage to the lower fuselage, including the keel and bulkhead. When the landing gear selector handle was moved to the extend position, the landing gear extended normally. The inspection revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions, and the pilot did not report any such issues.
Pilot Actions
The pilot acknowledged that the presence of multiple airplanes in the traffic pattern caused a distraction that interfered with his pre-landing checklist. He subsequently failed to lower the landing gear before touchdown.