Accident Details
While in the traffic pattern, the pilot of a retractable landing gear-equipped airplane became distracted while looking for other aircraft. He failed to continue the landing checklist, assuming it was completed. During the approach, he reduced power but did not hear the landing gear warning horn. The pilot then landed the airplane with the landing gear retracted, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.
Postaccident Examination
During recovery with a tow truck, the pilot and others attempted to troubleshoot the landing gear warning system but did not hear the warning horn again. Subsequent examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the switch for the landing gear audible warning horn, located on the engine compartment bulkhead, was improperly rigged. When tested, the horn did not sound. The inspection also noted that the airplane was equipped with a mirror on the right wing, which the pilot could have used to visually check if the landing gear was extended.