Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he forgot to lower the landing gear before landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. He stated that he believed his noise cancelling headset contributed to not hearing the gear warning horn. He stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Following the accident, when power was applied to the airplane, the gear warning horn sounded and when the landing gear handle was moved to the down position, all three gear extended.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA274 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Durango, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Animas Air Park (00C)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-24-250
- N-number
- N7525P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.