Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, while on final approach to land he was concerned with the preceding aircraft clearing the runway and did not extend the landing gear. The airplane subsequently touched down with the landing gear retracted. The airplane came to rest on the runway and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that the airplane’s landing gear position warning horn was functional, but that he and the passengers were not able to hear it due to the noise canceling headsets that they were wearing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA139 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 5, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Nearest airport
- St Augustine (SGJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28R-200
- N-number
- N44443
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.