What happened
On September 24, 2016, at approximately 13:35 UTC, a Beechcraft N35, registration PT-BMS, was conducting a local training flight departing from Aeródromo Fazenda Vale Eldorado (SDVH) in Bragan to Bragança Paulista, São Paulo. The flight was operated for private purposes with one pilot on board.
During the approach to the airfield, the pilot performed the standard "before landing" checklist procedures. However, the pilot failed to confirm the extension and down-lock status of the landing gear. Consequently, the aircraft touched down on the runway with the landing gear in the retracted position. The aircraft remained on the runway surface until it came to a complete stop. The impact resulted in light damage to the aircraft, and the pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot held a valid medical certificate and a valid single-engine land (MNTE) rating, with sufficient experience for the flight type. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits and possessed a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable for flight operations. However, investigators noted that the maintenance logs for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not up to date.