Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to continue the unstabilized approach and his failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a high-performance, complex airplane reported that, during his fourth engine-out practice landing, the airplane was "high and fast." He further reported that he wanted to keep the training realistic and chose not to go around. The pilot continued the approach but reported that he "felt behind the airplane." The airplane touched down with the landing gear retracted, skidded off the runway to the left, and impacted a runway light.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA031 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 15, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Burnet, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Burnet Muni Kate Craddock Fiel (BMQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 17 30
- N-number
- N8790V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1970
- 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.