Incident Overview
A pilot undergoing a checkride for a single-pilot type rating in a turbine airplane was asked by the designated pilot examiner to complete a no-flap landing. The pilot reported that he performed the Before Landing checklist with no flaps and believed that he had lowered the landing gear. During touchdown, the pilot felt a "thump" and initially thought a tire had blown. However, he observed that the landing gear handle was in the "up" position and noted that the landing gear warning horn did not sound because he was executing a no-flaps landing.
Examiner's Observations
The examiner confirmed that the landing gear handle was in the "up" position. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and reported that the landing gear handle was in the "up" position and that the fuselage had sustained substantial damage. After the airplane was lifted from the runway, the landing gear was lowered and locked into place without issue.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was the pilot's failure to lower the landing gear before landing. Contributing to the accident was the examiner's failure to check that the landing gear was extended.