Cessna 172RG N4886V accident near Kent, Washington

Probable cause

Failure of the certified flight instructor and student pilot to complete the landing checklist resulting in a gear-up landing.

NTSB analysis

During an instructional flight, the flight instructor requested that the student pilot, a commercial rated pilot in the right seat, demonstrate a simulated emergency engine-out landing. The student reduced the throttle to idle, turned toward the runway, and completed the GUMPS (gas, undercarriage, mixture, propeller, seat belt and switches) checklist. The student announced that he would not lower the landing gear and flaps until the runway was assured. Once established on centerline, a final check was not completed, and the student made a gear-up landing. The lower fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA369 for the full record.