Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern he became distracted by a rain squall which resulted in his failure to extend the landing gear, and the airplane subsequently landed gear-up. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage during the gear-up landing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA117 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 1, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kotlik, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Kotlik Airport (PFKO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-31
- N-number
- N16SC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.