Event Summary
A pilot flying a retractable landing gear-equipped airplane experienced a series of challenges during a cross-country flight, culminating in a gear-up landing at the destination airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its longerons and bulkheads.
Pilot's Report
According to the pilot, the autopilot failed during the flight, forcing him to manually manage navigation using sectional charts. He also noted that heat and wind made the flight uncomfortable, while smoke from wildland fires reduced visibility to approximately 5 statute miles. These factors led the pilot to decide to land.
Upon arrival at the airport, the pilot kept the landing gear retracted while searching for the wind sock, which he did not locate. He attempted to contact the airport on its Unicom frequency but later discovered he had used an incorrect frequency. The pilot then decided to land on runway 5, which he later identified as the incorrect runway given the wind direction.
The pilot recalled completing some variation of the GUMPS checklist but forgot to extend the landing gear, resulting in a landing with the gear retracted.
Aftermath
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the longerons and bulkheads. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.