This November 2008 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: Beech Bonanza. Injuries: None. Location: Port Townsend, Wash. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot decided to make a straight-in VFR approach to the non-controlled airport. There was traffic departing from the airport during the Bonanza’s approach. The pilot said he became distracted while discussing that traffic with his passenger and did not use the pre-landing checklist. As a result, he failed to lower the gear prior to landing.
Probable cause: The failure to lower the landing gear prior to landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use a checklist and the distraction caused by the discussion with the passenger.
For more information: NTSB.gov
Let me see now….is “GUMP”: gas, undercarriage, mixture, & props? or is it: Gear down, Undercarriage down, Make sure it’s down, & Put it down right now!
Dear NTSB & Pilots:
From many other reports of “Gear p” incidents/accidents” it is very true, that distractions are the key aspect of these problems. In retract gear birds, it is necessary to think of Gear Down three times in each approach and landing pattern. Once early in checlist, on Final, and again as runway is in sight. Look for imaginary sign on runway edge, “Gear Down & Locked”. Works every time. As a 600 plus Yong Eagle Pilot, “don’t let passenger questions or other planes, or other problems detract you from these 3 Gear Checks. Works good every time, don’t become one of those pilots who will land gear up, next time.
Fly Safe
Frank Szachta Sr.
Maj USAF (ret)