Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was in the down and locked position prior to touchdown.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he performed his pre-landing checklist and that the landing gear selector switch was in the down position. The pilot noted that there was a sun glare on the instrument panel during the landing. However, the airplane landed with the gear in the up and locked position, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.
During the postaccident examination by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the landing gear was cycled multiple times and no abnormalities were noted.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA350 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 24, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Springfield, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Springfield-Branson National (SGF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 24
- N-number
- N5138P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1958
- 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.