Amateur-built LANCAIR IV-P N366TF accident near Feather Sound, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he “felt rushed” during an instrument approach at the destination airport. While on the instrument approach, he opted to extend the airplane’s speed brakes to descend “1,500ft within a few miles” while he maintained airspeed. The pilot mentioned that he typically would perform a before landing check at 500 ft above ground level, but failed to do so on this flight. The airplane touched down on the runway with its landing gear retracted, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage.

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

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA146 for the full record.