Accident Overview
On August 3, 2022, at about 0830 mountain daylight time, a Socata TBM-700 airplane, registered as N620WG, was substantially damaged during a landing accident near Carlsbad, New Mexico. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight. The pilot and two passengers were not injured.
Flight and Landing
The pilot reported following another airplane into the traffic pattern and maintaining visual separation as that airplane landed ahead. On short final, the pilot heard an unfamiliar low tone but chose to ignore it and focus on landing. As the aircraft touched down, the propeller struck the runway, and the airplane settled onto its belly before coming to a stop near the centerline.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated he did not recall when he moved the landing gear switch to the down position and did not recall checking the landing gear indicator lights on approach. He acknowledged that he "failed to confirm 3 green" and allowed himself to become distracted by traffic in the pattern.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, the landing gear switch was found in the down position. The main landing gear were partially extended, while the nose gear and landing gear doors remained retracted. Damage was observed on the lower third of each main landing gear door and on the face of both nose gear doors. The underside of the fuselage sustained substantial damage to stringers and frames.
When the aircraft was placed on jack stands and the landing gear was cycled, no anomalies were noted. During extension, the nose gear doors opened simultaneously with the main landing gear beginning to extend, consistent with normal operation.