Beech A35 N541B accident near Marfa, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear.

NTSB analysis

During the landing flare the pilot realized that his landing gear had not been extended when the "step" contacted the runway. He initiated a go-around; however, the airplane did not climb as expected. The pilot turned the airplane to the right in an attempt to land on runway 21. When it was apparent that the pilot would not make it to runway 21 he extended the landing gear, at which time the airplane descended rapidly and impacted terrain. The left main landing gear and nose landing gear collapsed. A postimpact examination revealed that the left wing spar and ribs were damaged. Further examination revealed that the propeller had impacted the runway during the first landing attempt. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA152 for the full record.