Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use a pre-landing checklist.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while on final approach for the full stop landing, he was behind a commercial airliner. He reported that there was no turbulence and that the flaps were fully extended. The airplane subsequently landed with the landing gear retracted which resulted in substantial damage to the external longerons on the lower fuselage. The pilot indicated that he did not use a pre-landing checklist.
An examination of the landing gear system revealed no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA285 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 9, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Missoula, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Missoula Intl (MSO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna T210
- N-number
- N6856R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.