Probable cause
The pilot's failure to properly configure the landing gear, which resulted in a landing with the landing gear in the retracted position.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while entering the airport traffic pattern for landing, he was distracted by approximately eight other airplanes already in the traffic pattern. He subsequently forgot to extend the landing gear and landed with the gear retracted. The airplane came to rest upright on the runway. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the lower fuselage, which included the keel and bulkhead. The inspector added that when the landing gear selector handle was moved to the extend position, the landing gear extended normally. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16CA093 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 18, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Venice, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Venice Municipal Airport (VNC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 210
- N-number
- N761EP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- 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.