Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing due to his distraction with the wind gusts.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while on final approach for runway 18 the airplane bounced around in gusty wind conditions. The pilot was focused on the wind gusts, and he forgot to put the landing gear down. The airplane touched down on the lower fuselage and slid to a stop. The pilot observed smoke emitting from the engine after the landing. The airplane was consumed by a post-crash fire.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA207 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 19, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gainesville, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Gainesville Municipal (GLE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca Cruisemaster
- N-number
- N7655B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1957
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.