Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that after the airplane crossed the runway threshold, he reduced engine power to idle and the gear warning horn sounded. The pilot reported that he misinterpreted the gear warning horn for the ground proximity warning system and the airplane landed with the gear retracted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the spar carry-through structure and left spar attachment. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA080 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 13, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Crownpoint, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Crownpoint (0E8)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Pilatus PC12 - 45
- N-number
- N811VM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.