The pilot in the retractable landing gear-equipped airplane reported that during approach, the airplane's airspeed was high. He decreased the airspeed and "pushed hard on the down lever" to extend the landing gear. However, the pilot had inadvertently pushed the lever to the side, which "bound up the (lever) handle." The pilot decided to land with the landing gear retracted, and the airplane slid to a stop on the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.