This May 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna T210L.
Location: The Dalles, Ore.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was on approach for landing. He told investigators that he extended the wing flaps to 20° and moved the lever to lower the landing gear. The pilot did not recall hearing the landing gear warning horn or observing an unsafe indication from the gear position lights. He flared for landing. The pilot was surprised when the airplane settled on to its belly.
After the mishap, a mechanic examined the airplane and reported finding no evidence of any mechanical malfunction with the landing gear system.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear.