Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after entering the traffic pattern at the destination airport, the wind conditions felt stronger than reported by the automatic terminal information service. During his approach to land the pilot’s focus was on the wind conditions; he did not extend the landing gear and subsequently landed with them retracted. The airplane remained on the runway and sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA126 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 1, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pembroke Pines, Florida
- Nearest airport
- North Perry (HWO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Cessna 172RG
- N-number
- N949SM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- 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.