Incident Details
During approach, the pilot of a retractable landing gear-equipped airplane noted that the airspeed was high. To correct this, the pilot reduced the airspeed and attempted to extend the landing gear by pushing firmly on the down lever. However, the lever was inadvertently pushed to the side, which caused the handle to bind.
Unable to extend the landing gear, the pilot decided to proceed with a landing with the gear retracted. The airplane subsequently slid to a stop on the runway.
Damage
The lower fuselage sustained substantial damage as a result of the gear-up landing.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation.