Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to touchdown.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was performing a 180-degree power-off approach and landing. He did not extend the landing gear and landed with the gear in the retracted position. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the accident flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA185 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 14, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Danville, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Hendricks County-Gordon Graham (2R2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28RT-201
- N-number
- N2878N
- 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.