Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing he continued the descent into a normal flare, the airplane settled and touched down with the landing gear retracted. The airplane remained aligned with the centerline and slid to a stop resulting in substantial damage to the Underside of the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA351 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 17, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Smyrna, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Smyrna (MQY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28R
- N-number
- N47742
- 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.