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: Cessna 172RG. Injuries: None. Location: Cleveland, Miss. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was on a solo flight in preparation for a commercial rating. After three uneventful touch-and-go landings, the number of airplanes in the pattern increased from two to four or five. The pilot sequenced himself between two other training flights and inadvertently failed to lower the landing gear prior to landing.
Probable cause: The failure to lower the landing gear prior to touchdown. For more information: NTSB.gov
