Beech A36 N216R accident near Griffin, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to extend the airplane’s landing gear before landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, abeam the runway numbers, he “reviewed the checklist and completed the steps with my hand touching the landing gear handle.” On the base leg of the traffic pattern, he attempted to check the landing gear position indicator lights, but glare from the sun prevented him from confirming if the lights were illuminated. The pilot continued to land and upon touchdown realized that the landing gear were not extended resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA226 for the full record.