Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during a straight-in approach, he forgot to extend the airplane’s landing gear and that he landed with the landing gear retracted. The airplane slid to a stop 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 ERA26LA235 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 23, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bartow, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Bartow Exec (BOW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-24-250
- N-number
- N5376P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1959
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.