Accident Overview
A pilot landing a retractable landing gear-equipped airplane failed to extend the landing gear prior to touchdown, resulting in a gear-up landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage bulkheads and spar carry-through. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, the accident sequence began when he became distracted while communicating with other aircraft and controlling the airplane in gusting wind conditions. He further stated that he did not realize that what he perceived as the stall warning horn was actually the landing gear unsafe warning horn. The pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented by repeating the GUMPFS checklist on final and by checking that all three landing gear safe lights were illuminated.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane's lower fuselage bulkheads and spar carry-through were substantially damaged during the landing. Despite the damage, the pilot indicated that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane prior to the accident.