Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the retractable landing gear-equipped airplane reported that, during a straight-in approach, the airplane's approach angle was too high. He recalled that he was distracted by an increase in aircraft operating in the area and that he forgot to extend the landing gear. The airplane landed with the landing gear retracted and slid off the right side of the runway before it came to rest.
The airplane 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 GAA19CA206 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 15, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hutchinson, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Hutchinson Rgnl (HUT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28R
- N-number
- N55275
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- 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.