Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that as he was landing from a visual approach at his destination airport, he realized he had failed to extend the landing gear and the airplane landed with the landing gear retracted. The airplane skidded down the runway, departed the runway surface and hit a berm and fence before it came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. After the accident, the pilot stated that despite hours of operation, always use a paper or electronic written checklist.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA298 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Jennings, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- Jennings Muni (3R7)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aero Commander 500 S
- N-number
- N9038N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Executive or corporate
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.