MOONEY M20M
Clearwater, FL — March 18, 2012
Event Information
| Date | March 18, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA12CA244 |
| Event ID | 20120322X52544 |
| Location | Clearwater, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 27.97667, -82.75861 |
| Airport | Clearwater Air Park |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | MOONEY |
| Model | M20M |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing due to his distraction regarding another airplane in the traffic pattern.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, after entering the traffic pattern for landing, he noted there were two other airplanes in the traffic pattern. As he announced his position on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, he heard another pilot also announce his position at the same location. The accident pilot visually obtained the other airplane, whose pilot reported he would proceed behind the accident airplane to the runway. The accident pilot stated he became pre-occupied with locating the other airplane during the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, and forgot to lower the landing gear. During touchdown, the propeller struck the runway and the airplane skid to a stop resulting substantial damage to the underside of the fuselage. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with 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.