No fatalities

Pilot Lands Without Lowering Gear, Leading to Structural Damage During Subsequent Flight (N168TT)

Nome, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On June 1, 2011, an Eclipse EA500 (registration N168TT) operated by James Teng & Sons was involved in an aviation accident near Nome, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot landed without lowering the landing gear. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly the airplane with an inoperative wing flap system. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot conducted a no-flap approach, initiated a go-around, but the fuselage struck the runway. After landing gear-up, a subsequent test flight was aborted due to vibration, revealing a cracked center wing carry-through.

Accident Flight

Prior to the accident flight, the pilot noted that the wing flaps had failed. Despite the Airplane Flight Manual guidance advising against such operations, the pilot decided to proceed with the flight. During the approach to the airport, the pilot conducted a no-flap approach and determined that the airspeed was too fast for landing. He initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane continued to descend, and the fuselage struck the runway. The pilot was able to complete the go-around and then realized that the landing gear had not been extended. He lowered the landing gear and landed the airplane without further incident.

Subsequent Events

After landing, the pilot elected to remain at the airport overnight due to fatigue. The following day, he decided to test fly the airplane. During the takeoff roll, the airplane experienced a severe vibration, leading the pilot to abort the takeoff. A subsequent inspection by an aviation mechanic revealed that the center wing carry-through had cracked. The crack occurred when the belly skid pad deflected upward into a stringer during the gear-up landing.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to land without lowering the landing gear. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to operate the airplane with an inoperative wing flap system.