Beech G35 N168B accident near Kooskia, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear during landing.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot of the retractable landing gear airplane, his normal approach to the backcountry grass airstrip was to follow the terrain until established on a "5-10 second" final approach. The pilot recalled that there was a 5-knot tailwind at the airstrip during the approach. On final, he increased the flaps, the airspeed was 70 knots, and the airplane touched down on the approach end of the runway. He reported that he did not extend the retractable landing gear and that, following the touchdown, the airplane slid about 1,000 ft down the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage longerons and the firewall.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have prevented normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA519 for the full record.