Mooney M20K
Chehalis, WA — July 24, 2008
Event Information
| Date | July 24, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | LAX08CA247 |
| Event ID | 20080815X01254 |
| Location | Chehalis, WA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.67694, -122.98278 |
| Airport | CHEHALIS-CENTRALIA |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Mooney |
| Model | M20K |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear, resulting in a gear up landing.
Full Narrative
In a written report the pilot stated that he was performing a straight in approach for the runway. He reduced power and extended the speed brakes as he descended. He also made several radio calls. When the airplane was about 5 miles from the runway, the pilot performed the pre-landing checklist, which he stated includes putting the gear down. He reported that he intentionally left the gear retracted, to keep more speed on the approach. When he was 3 miles from the runway, the pilot began a conversation over the radio with another pilot who was departing the airport. He stated that he became distracted by the conversation, and did not remember to lower the landing gear. The airplane touched down in the middle of the runway with the gear retracted, and sustained structural damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.