Cessna T210L N787AE accident near Idaho Falls, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing. Contributing to the accident was an uncorrected malfunction of the landing gear warning horn system.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, in anticipation of a difficult approach and landing due to the reported wind, he configured the airplane early with the mixture rich, propeller at high rpm, and the fuel selected to the fullest tank. He did not extend the landing gear due to the distance from the airport. The pilot entered the traffic pattern on a normal 45-degree entry for landing. On final approach, he failed to perform the prelanding checklist and to confirm that the landing gear was down. The airplane touched down on the runway with the landing gear retracted, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage structure. The pilot stated that, during the annual inspection, the gear warning horn system was noted to be out of adjustment, and this had not been resolved. The pilot reported no other preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA311 for the full record.