Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to lower the landing gear prior to landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during final approach he completed the landing checklist and confirmed that the green down and locked gear light was illuminated. On touchdown the airplane dropped onto its belly and slid about 200 feet before coming to rest on the runway. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the airplane’s belly skin and outer surfaces of the landing gear doors. This damage, in addition to the lack of damage to the landing gear extension and retraction push rods, was indicative of the landing gear being retracted and the doors closed at the time of impact. Additionally, during the examination the landing gear was cycled several times, with no anomalies noted.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA340 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cottonwood, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Cottonwood Airport (P52)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20F
- N-number
- N6802V
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.