Mooney M20K N252MX accident near Chehalis, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to lower the landing gear, resulting in a gear up landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that he was performing a straight in approach to the runway and he reduced power and extended the speed brakes as he descended. He also made several radio calls. When the airplane was about 5 miles from the runway, the pilot performed the pre-landing checklist, which he said includes putting the gear down. He reported that he intentionally left the gear retracted to keep more speed on the approach. When he was 3 miles from the runway, the pilot began a conversation over the radio with another pilot who was departing the airport. He stated that he became distracted by the conversation and did not remember to lower the landing gear. The airplane touched down in the middle of the runway with the gear retracted and sustained structural damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA247 for the full record.