Probable cause
The pilot's failure to follow the landing checklist and extended the landing gear.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was practicing takeoff and landings when he extended the landing gear and heard the landing gear motor start while the airplane was on the downwind leg to the runway. The pilot noticed that the landing gear was not down during the landing flare. The airplane touched down on the runway with the landing gear retracted, and the airplane skidded about 500 feet before coming to a stop. The airplane received substantial damage when the airplane's firewall and underside skin were damaged. During the airplane's recovery, the landing gear control handle was placed into the down position and the landing gear extended when the master switch was placed into the on position. Postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed no anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA244 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 1, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Salem, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Salem Municipal Airport (I83)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Mooney M20J
- N-number
- N115MS
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.