Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to complete the before landing checklist.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during an instrument flight rules approach, he failed to extend the landing gear, and the airplane landed on the runway with the landing gear retracted. The pilot added that the accident could have been prevented by "paying much closer attention to the checklists." 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 GAA19CA294 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 28, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Hilton Head (HXD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ratheon Aircraft Company A36
- N-number
- N998LS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1998
- 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.